Quick Tips:
- PREPARE a “go bag”
- WATCH closely for the risk of fires using https://www.alertsandiego.org/ and Watch Duty org apps
- EARLY BIRD EVACUATE in the orange zone
- Providers can learn Psychological First Aid, volunteer time and resources, and help patients and their families prepare and cope with the wildfires
As the wildfires continue to devastate Southern California, particularly the greater Los Angeles area, our thoughts are with the countless families affected by this disaster. We also want to extend our deepest gratitude to the first responders on the front lines.
While most San Diego residents have not been directly impacted by the fires at this time, many of us have friends, family, or colleagues who have been. Additionally, San Diego has been under red flag warnings, signaling critical fire weather conditions. As child and adolescent psychiatrists, we are especially mindful of the emotional toll natural disasters can have on youth and families.
Dr. Tyler Morrison, San Diego Region Liaison from the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Disaster and Trauma Committee, shares his expertise on how we can support ourselves, our patients, and our communities during this time of crisis.
Prepare, Watch, and “Early Bird Evacuate”
All residents in San Diego and Los Angeles are encouraged to take three critical steps: Prepare, Watch, and “Early Bird Evacuate.”
- Prepare: Have an emergency “go bag” ready. Your kit should include:
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- Water, non-perishable food, medications, and first aid supplies
- Flashlights, a multi-tool, extra chargers and batteries
- Blankets, clothes, and dust masks
- Sanitary products and toilet paper
- Printed copies of important documents (medical records, insurance cards, contact info)
- If you have a disability, include assistive devices and health profiles.
- Watch: Stay informed about fire risks. Visit org to register for emergency alerts or download the SD Emergency App. You can also use the free WatchDuty.org app for real-time fire updates. Red zones indicate immediate evacuation orders, orange zones signal evacuation warnings, and pink areas highlight dangerous conditions.
- “Early Bird Evacuate”: If you’re in an orange zone, we strongly recommend evacuating early—before roads get congested and air quality worsens. Evacuating early helps ensure safer exits for everyone.
How Providers Can Help
As providers, we can play a crucial role in supporting our community during these challenging times. First, we can learn Psychological First Aid to offer immediate support to youth and families impacted by trauma. You can find more information in our recent newsletter here. Providers can also volunteer their time and resources to wildfire relief efforts. If you are able to volunteer, please coordinate with trusted organizations like the Red Cross or Vibrant ahead of time to avoid creating overcrowded or chaotic situations.
In our everyday clinical settings, we can educate patients and families about wildfire preparedness. Emphasize the importance of checking air quality using resources like AirNow.gov. Advise everyone to stay indoors when the Air Quality Index (AQI) exceeds 150, and limit outdoor activity when it surpasses 100. We can also guide parents in helping their children cope with disaster-related stress. Encourage parents to provide clear, age-appropriate information without unnecessary details. Limiting exposure to media coverage can also be helpful in reducing anxiety.
Additional Support
For those in need of further assistance, SmartCare Behavioral Health Consultation Services (BHCS) are available for both providers and families. Please refer to the resources below for additional support options. Thank you for your continued commitment to the well-being of our community during this crisis.
Resources: Hover next to title for hyperlink.
- Emergency Kits and Go-Bag Supplies:
- FEMA Ready.gov: https://www.ready.gov/sites/default/files/2021-02/ready_checklist.pdf
- AAP HealthyChildren.org: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-home/Pages/Family-Disaster-Supplies-List.aspx?_gl=1*13zcfir*_ga*MjA3NzM5OTUxOC4xNjkxNTU1MTM2*_ga_FD9D3XZVQQ*MTY5NTQyMjQ2MS4xMC4xLjE2OTU0MjI2MDUuMC4wLjA.
- Health Profile for Individuals with Disabilities: https://www.cityofconcord.org/DocumentCenter/View/5101/ENGLISH-Health-Profile-for-People-with-Intellectual-and-Developmental-Disabilities
- Communication Boards for Individuals with Disabilities: https://aacdisasterrelief.recovers.org/
- Tips for Specific Disabilities: https://www.ohsu.edu/sites/default/files/2023-11/Tab7_Ready%20Now%20Tool%20Kit%20OCT242.pdf
- Training for Disasters:
- Psychological First Aid:
- Field Guide: https://www.nctsn.org/resources/psychological-first-aid-pfa-field-operations-guide-2nd-edition
- Full Training: https://www.nctsn.org/resources/psychological-first-aid-pfa-online
- Wildfire Resources: https://www.nctsn.org/what-is-child-trauma/trauma-types/disasters/wildfire-resources?page=1
- Just in Time: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LD5UYZMrxRY
- Psychological First Aid:
- Volunteer Opportunities:
- American Red Cross: https://www.redcross.org/local/california/los-angeles/about-us/our-work/california-wildfires-response-january-2025.html
- Vibrant: https://www.vibrant.org/what-we-do/advocacy-policy-education/crisis-emotional-care/
- Air Quality:
- Helping Children Cope:
- Zero to Three – Coping After a Natural Disaster: https://www.zerotothree.org/resource/coping-after-a-natural-disaster/
- Zero to Three – Coping with Trauma and Stress in the Face of Wildfires: https://www.zerotothree.org/resource/coping-with-trauma-and-stress-in-the-face-of-wildfires/
- AAP Healthychildren.org – Talking with Children About Disasters: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/emotional-wellness/Pages/Talking-to-Children-about-Disasters.aspx
- AAP Healthychildren.org – Taking Care of Yourself During Disasters: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/emotional-wellness/Building-Resilience/Pages/Taking-Care-of-Yourself-during-Disasters-Info-for-Parents.aspx
- Hotlines:
- Disaster Distress Helpline: Call 1-800-985-5990 toll-free, 24/7; Text TalkWithUs to 66746 to connect with a trained crisis counselor
- Disability and Disaster Hotline: Call/Text: +1 (800) 626-4959
Email:hotline@disasterstrategies.org
- Phone Apps:
- Alert San Diego: https://www.alertsandiego.org/en-us/preparedness/SDEmergencyApp.html
- org: https://app.watchduty.org
- Psychological First Aid: https://www.ptsd.va.gov/appvid/mobile/pfa_app_pro.asp
- Other Resources:
- National:
- AACAP: https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Resource_Centers/Disaster_Resource_Center/Home.aspx?utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Annual%20Meeting
- AAP: https://www.aap.org/en/patient-care/disasters-and-children/disaster-management-resources-by-topic/wildfires/
- CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/wildfires/about/index.html
- Department of Developmental Services – Emergency Preparedness: https://www.dds.ca.gov/consumers/emergency-preparedness-consumer/
- Regional/Local:
- AAP San Diego and Imperial Counties: https://aapca3.org/disaster-preparedness/
- gov: https://www.ca.gov/LAfires/
- Emergency Preparedness and Resources for Wildfire (and other disasters) Alert San Diego: https://www.alertsandiego.org/content/dam/alertsandiego/preparedness/en/resources/wildfire_preparedness_guide.pdf
- CalFire Go! Evacuation Guide: https://readyforwildfire.org/prepare-for-wildfire/go-evacuation-guide/
- CalHHS Emergency Resource Guide: https://www.chhs.ca.gov/blog/2025/01/08/calhhs-emergency-resource-guide/?fbclid=IwY2xjawHuZQtleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHTqq1ANlUc1ZajImF0V__ifFuf8jM2yc2cRe5jtrA2JDmW6qFNu9lOmg3A_aem_WUP4EbefG6sxJTUJeZzSDg
- National:
AUTHORS:
Dr. Kristen Kim, MD
Child, Adolescent and Adult Psychiatrist
Vista Hill Foundation
Dr. Tyler Morrison, MD
San Diego Region Liaison from the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Disaster and Trauma Committee