Emotional Support and Wildfire: Resources for Coping and Recovery
Wildfires often lead to emotional distress in those who experience them. Survivors living in the impacted areas, including children and teens, loved ones of victims, first responders, and rescue and recovery workers, are all at risk.
Feelings such as overwhelming anxiety, constant worrying, trouble sleeping, and other depression-like symptoms are common responses before, during, and after the event. Most people need additional support to cope and move forward on the path of recovery.
Support Resources
Agora Crisis Center Agora, based out of the University of New Mexico, is a place anyone can call when they need someone to listen. You don't have to be in crisis; you can call to talk about good things, bad things, stress, anger, or loneliness. Call (505) 277-3013 or 866-HELP-1-NM (866-435-7166). Agora also offers online chat support.
Crisis Center of Northern New Mexico For 24-hour crisis support, visit Crisis Center of Northern New Mexico or call 1-800-206-1656.
New Mexico Crisis and Access Line Visit New Mexico Crisis and Access Line or call 1-855-NMCRISIS (662-7474).
Disaster Distress Helpline The Disaster Distress Helpline provides year-round, 24/7 phone and text-based crisis counseling for anyone experiencing emotional distress related to natural or man-made disasters. Those impacted by recent wildfires and experiencing distress can reach out for support. Call 1-800-985-5990 or text "TalkWithUs" to 66746 or "Hablanos" to 66746 for Spanish.
Support for Firefighters and First Responders
First Responder 24-Hour Crisis Hotline 1-888-731-3473 (FIRE)
Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance Visit FFBHA for resources specific to firefighter mental health.
National Fallen Firefighter Foundation Visit Fire Hero for support for families of fallen firefighters.
Wildland Firefighter Foundation Visit WFFoundation for assistance to families of firefighters killed or injured in the line of duty.
The Life Challenge Program Visit Life Challenge Program for information about suicide awareness for firefighters.
Quick Series Publishing Visit Quick Series or call 1-800-361-4653 for pocket books and eGuides for firefighters, EMS, and more.
Additional Resources for Emotional Support
Helping Children Deal with Disaster Visit FEMA or get a copy of FEMA 478: Helping Children Cope with Disaster. For more information, call the FEMA publications warehouse at 1-800-480-2520. Additional resources can be found at the Department of Homeland Security’s Ready.gov and the National Child Traumatic Stress Network.
New Mexico Suicide Prevention Coalition Call 1-855-662-7474 or visit NM Suicide Prevention.
ACROSS - Association of Christians Reaching Out in Service and Support Visit ACROSS for support services.
Understanding Emotional Phases of Disaster
People may experience an emotional "high" after a disaster due to survival and communities coming together. The emotional "lows" may come later and can be triggered months or years after the event. For a detailed chart and an interesting article on this, visit the OperationSAFE website.
For more information and continuous updates on the South Fork and Salt Fire situations, visit the Village of Ruidoso South Fork and Salt Fires Information Hub.
We encourage everyone to utilize these resources and reach out for help as needed. Your mental and emotional well-being is as important as your physical safety. Stay strong, and remember that support is always available.
Information courtesy of the US Forest Service
