Staying Physically & Mentally Safe During Wildfires

I was recently evacuated for the third time due to a major wildfire in California. Because of my past experiences, I was prepared to leave my home this time. Though the emotions never get easier to cope with, with experience I have learned how to be more efficient during these times. 

In the case that you need to leave your home immediately, you will be alerted via phone or by emergency services.  I am able to calm my anxiety by keeping track of the fires through the news or other sources that are reporting on current evacuation zones and the direction of the fire. This helps me feel prepared and keep track of my friends and family members who may need to leave their homes. For others, it may be overwhelming to scroll social media or constantly receive updates via notification. It is important to follow what makes you feel the most secure.

When my family was evacuated a few days ago, we prepared as early as possible. We made sure to grab the most essential things first: passports, birth certificates, other important documents, photographs, irreplaceable items, medication, cash, and of course, our dogs. CalFire names the ‘6 Ps’: “People & pets, Papers, phone numbers & important documents, Prescriptions, vitamins & eyeglasses, Pictures & irreplaceable memorabilia, Personal computer, hard drive & disks, “Plastic” (credit cards, ATM cards) & cash”.  Since this was not the first time I needed to leave my home urgently, I had created a list of essential things to check off in case of another natural disaster. I also tend to prepare earlier than most people, having the objects that I need in areas of the house that can be easily accessed. 

This week I’ve struggled with feelings of helplessness. The fires have picked up rapidly due to the winds and people all over the city of Los Angeles are preparing to evacuate. My family and home are safe for now, and I have felt some guilt knowing that so many people cannot say the same. Rather than feeling down, I have been doing what I can to put this pain into action. 

How to get involved in volunteering:

• Donate clothing/supplies to local shelters or fire stations that are seeking, but only when you know they are requesting such items, direct from their own communications. Do NOT drop off “unsolicited” items, because doing so ends up creating excessive waste and forces staff at shelters to divert their time away from more important work
• Put money towards supporting the firefighters or those who lost their homes and do not have insurance
• Volunteer at animal shelters and on-site at evacuation centers but only after you’ve signed up directly with these organizations and have gone through necessary training and credentialing. Showing up to sites like this as a “spontaneous volunteer” is potentially unsafe, and creates burdens for staff who are responsible for managing volunteers
• Foster a displaced pet at a shelter that has reached capacity 
• Prepare or distribute meals

How to seek help if you are impacted by the fires: 

• Be aware of local evacuation centers for shelter/food/donations/essentials
• Have an arrangement for pets (large animal shelters) 
• Create a “go-bag” and have a plan
• Reach out to the Disaster Distress Helpline if you are experiencing distress or other mental health concerns: 1-800-985-5990 (Call or text, 24/7)

I have experience working on the Disaster Distress Helpline and know that it is an incredible resource in times of crisis. The helpline puts the caller in contact with a trained crisis counselor for individuals in distress due to human-made or natural disasters. Counselors are trained in Psychological First Aid and can assist in healthy coping skills, recognizing signs of distress/triggers, and provide referrals. Calling 211 is another way to receive local evacuation centers, resources, donations, etc. 

Although it is thoughtful to help others during times of disaster, it is also essential that we take care of ourselves. As they say on airplanes, “Put your mask on first before helping others”. For me, self-care looks like spending time with my loved ones, cooking healthy meals, moving my body, and reading. Especially during times of crisis, we must take care of our bodies and our minds. 

If you or anyone you know is struggling with substance use or an emotional crisis, help is available. Text or call 988 or chat 988lifeline.org to speak with a caring counselor 24/7.

Works Cited:

Wildfire action plan: How to prepare for wildfires: CAL FIRE. Ready for Wildfire. (2024, April 23). readyforwildfire.org/prepare-for-wildfire/wildfire-action-plan/