Wildfires can be very distressing whether you are immediately affected, or are worried about those who are, or are generally anxious about what this all means in terms of the changing climate. 

One of our neighbours in the Peaks of Grassi who works in mental health has very kindly pulled together some resources for those who are feeling distressed or anxious about wildfires, or who want to feel more empowered and prepared in the event that they are affected by a wildfire in the future. 

These might seem rudimentary, however, as our neighbour says, “a little preparation like we've done with the physical landscape [by FireSmarting Peaks], can just offload some effort that may be directed to more important tasks in the future. And, maybe help some sleep a little better at night.”

Kids Help Phone

Kids Help Phone has connections for anyone experiencing immediate distress and also has articles related to worries about the threat of wildfires:

• coping with upsetting news

• safety planning

• navigating unknowns

• what a window of tolerance is and how to build it's capacity

• managing anxiety and panic

• climate change anxiety

• coping with feelings about an uncertain future 

You can find out more by clicking here. 

Canadian Red Cross

The Canadian Red Cross has some actionable steps people can take to empower themselves. After speaking with a family who temporarily settled their family in Canmore, resources like this would have been helpful so that they didn't have to think about their home contents etc. that they lost while they were trying to be emotionally present for each other throughout the ups and downs the year presented to each member in different ways: 

• event checklist

• home inventory checklist

• insurance policies

• renting in the event of evacuation

• coping with crisis

• wellbeing guidebook

You can find out more by clicking here.