Wildfire season 2024 is upon us!
As wildfire ravages the Texas Panhandle, and the Sierra Nevada's are under blizzard conditions, it's hard to even imagine that wildfire season is here. As temperatures begin to rise, relative humidities decrease, and the winds begin to blow, all it takes is one small ignition to bring a wildfire to full force fruition.
Are you ready for wildfire season 2024? As a homeowner, living in the wildland urban interface, have you managed your defensible space around your home and property? Is your GO-BAG ready, with all your important documents, contacts and medications? Do you have a safety plan in place, which includes ensuring that your children and pets will be taken care of in the event that you can't make it home. Do you have an escape route and safety zone? Believe me when I tell you that you need to plan NOW! Don't wait until it's too late, and the flames are beckoning your front door. BE PREPARED!
As a wildland fire responder, what about you? Are you prepared? And not just physically, although your physical fitness is of great importance too, but overall? What about your mental and emotional preparedness? Have you been practicing skills and tools, such as mindfulness, movement, and breathing. Are you finding healthy coping skills that you can use when shit hits the fan? Do you have a plan in place if you, or someone else, might need support in a crisis? Do you have a list of safe, professional resources at your disposal? Do you know how to unwind and destress after a hectic assignment? What else can you do to ensure that you are mitigating your mental and emotional game?
And what about relationally? Have you developed a plan of action for those that you love most, including your pets? Have you communicated to them regarding the effects of being a wildfire responder and what coes with it? Do they know where to turn for support, if needed? Our line of work doesn't just affect us, it affects everyone around us. What if something was to happen to you on the job? Does your family know what to do, and where to turn?
We can never be prepared enough going into wildfire season. So, how can you best practice self-care? What can you do now that will prepare you for what's to come? How can you find healthy mechanisms and tools to help you manage your stress? Can you learn to speak your truth, with authenticity, even when others don't want to listen? What about setting healthy boundaries, which does include learning how to say NO! What about asking for help, when needed, and then being able to receive it? These simple steps should all be included in your personal wellbeing plan. How can you become the healthiest version of YOU?
May you be safe, may you be healthy, and may you always listen to the wisdom of your nervous system and your heart, because they will always tell you the truth.