3 Checkpoints For LA Fire Relief & Recovery Workers’ Wellness

Your work during the LA wildfires is both incredibly important and physically demanding. To ensure you can continue performing at your best and remain healthy and resilient throughout the disaster relief efforts, it’s essential to address both your immediate and long-term needs. Let’s take a closer look at how you can care for yourself while ensuring you’re able to continue supporting those in need.

Checkpoint 1: Bodily Needs

• • Food and Water
    • During intense operations you may not have time to or access nutrition and hydration that are crucial in maintaining your energy levels. 

• Tip: Carry nutritious snacks to eat on the go such as granola, dried fruits, nuts, meat sticks, or chocolate. Rehydrate with water or drinks with electrolytes. 

• • Rest and Sleep 
    • When working long hours in physically demanding conditions, rest and sleep is crucial in avoiding physical and mental exhaustion which can impact your performance and safety. 

• Tip: Taking 15-20 minute power naps could give you an energy reboost. Scheduling short breaks throughout your shift for a walk or grounding exercises can increase your time on the field. 

• • Health and Hygiene 
    • Immediately addressing your exposure to hazardous conditions, such as smoke inhalation, burns, or other injuries could minimize recovery time and maximize your longevity in the field. 

• Tip: A portable first aid kit that includes bandages and disinfectants can be handy in treating minor first aid needs. Access to safety gears such as masks and safety goggles could prevent inhalations and exposure to air-borne debris. 

Checkpoint 2: Social Needs 

• • Team Support:
    • Having teammates who can support you on and off the field could mitigate the stress of relief work and help you stay motivated and resilient. 

• Tip: Seek out team-building and recreational activities with people on your team such as sports, hiking, putlucks, or camping. 

• • Family Engagement: 
    • Relief work can be isolating, especially when you are away from home for long periods of time. Facilitating regular communication with loved ones can reduce stress and maintain personal connections, providing emotional comfort during challenging times.

• Tip: You can stay connected with your family through sharing pictures, voice memos, or creating a shared music playlist to listen to.

Checkpoint 3: Personal Growth Needs 

• • Identifying Your Values 
    • Working in such intense situations can change you, and it’s important to reflect on how those experiences have impacted you. Reflection helps you grow and find meaning in your work. It also allows you to process difficult emotions and identify areas for personal growth.

• Tips: Take moments to reflect on your work and how it aligns with your personal values. Consider journaling, meditating, or having conversations with others about how you’re feeling.

• • Long-Term Career Goals
    • Having a sense of purpose and long-term goals will help you stay motivated, especially during difficult periods. It gives you a reason to push through and invest in your development, knowing that this work is part of a larger career trajectory.
    • Tip: Reflect on where you want your career to go and how this experience fits into that vision. Set personal and professional goals, and look for ways to expand your skills or take on new roles that align with your aspirations.
  • Work-Life Balance 
    • Taking care of yourself outside of work is crucial to preventing burnout and maintaining overall well-being. A balanced life allows you to recharge, reconnect with loved ones, and pursue activities that bring you joy outside of the crisis response efforts.

• Tip: When possible, take time to disconnect from work and focus on your personal life. Whether it’s spending time with family, enjoying hobbies, or simply resting, maintaining balance is crucial for long-term success and happiness.

By addressing these needs, you’re ensuring that you can continue to work effectively, remain resilient in the face of stress, and ultimately find fulfillment in the important work you’re doing. Taking care of yourself physically, emotionally, and mentally ensures that you stay healthy, motivated, and able to support those who need your help most. Remember, your well-being is just as important as the work you’re doing—by focusing on these needs, you’ll be able to continue making a real difference for the people of LA.