A wildfire may be something you never forget and something that is emotionally traumatic as well. Overall, disaster victims encounter high levels of stress and need time to restore their emotional equilibrium. When dealing with these emotions, it is important to remember to...

• Be extra patient. Don't expect things to instantly go back to normal, accept that physical and emotional restoration takes time.
• Realize that the emotions of victims will change quickly and unexpectedly. It's natural for disaster victims to express disbelief, anger, sadness, anxiety, and depression.
• Consider the feelings of children, they need to feel they can count on you for love and support and may need extra attention. Make sure they do not think they are responsible for the problems you are going through.
• Try to keep your family's diet as nourishing as possible during times of crisis.
• Keep in mind that your spouse's viewpoint on what is of high priority may differ from yours.
• Ask for counseling and make use of local support networks such as the American Red Cross.

211/InfoLine of San Diego County
Phone: dial 2-1-1
2-1-1 is the national dialing code for free, 24-hour community, health and disaster information, as well as community recovery resources to help you in your time of need. If you are unable to reach 2-1-1 from your cell phone or you are calling from outside San Diego County, please use (858) 300-1211.

San Diego County Local Assistance Centers
Counseling is available at the Local Assistance Centers.

San Diego County Family Resource Center Listings
http://www2.sdcounty.ca.gov/hhsa/AllFacilities.asp

American Red Cross, San Diego Chapter
Address: 3950 Calle Fortunada, San Diego, CA 92123
Phone: (858) 309-1200
Email: info@sdarc.org
Website: http://www.sdarc.org

San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency,
Mental Health Services Access and Crisis Line
Phone: 1-800-479-3339

San Diego County Department of Environmental Health
Firestorm Recovery Information
Website: http://www.sdcounty.ca.gov/deh/firestorm-2007.html