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Urban Fires: Helping Children Recover After Disaster

Published February 6, 2025

The devastating wildfires in the Los Angeles area have finally subsided, leaving behind scorched homes and displaced families. Among the most vulnerable in this crisis are children who have lost not only their homes but also their sense of stability. As Dr. Stephen Baruch and I have discussed, children require special attention and support during this time. While some parents try to soften the blow by telling their kids they are on “vacation,” this is only a temporary solution. The real challenge lies in helping children adjust and cope with the trauma of displacement and loss.

Children: The “Bellwethers of Recovery”

Research from the Gulf Coast Child and Family Health Study highlights that children serve as indicators of a community’s recovery. When children receive proper support—whether through school, mental health services, or daily stability—it signals that the broader community is also on the path to healing. However, without targeted intervention, children may struggle with emotional and psychological effects long after the fires are extinguished.

The RCRC Toolbox: A Resource for Resilience

Recognizing the urgent need for child-focused recovery efforts, the National Center for Disaster Preparedness (NCDP) at Columbia University and Save the Children developed the Resilient Children/Resilient Communities (RCRC) Initiative. This initiative provides guidance, training, and resources to help communities support children in the wake of disasters.

Their RCRC Toolbox offers valuable materials, including:

• Psychological first aid for children
• Post-disaster childcare needs and resources
• Community resilience-building strategies

This dynamic collection of tools should be widely shared to ensure that communities can effectively support their children.

Essential Resources for Parents & Caregivers

To help children process trauma and adjust to post-disaster life, here are some key resources:

1. Tips for Helping Children After a Disaster or Traumatic Event

Children and youth often experience emotional distress after traumatic events. This guide helps parents, caregivers, and teachers understand common reactions, provide appropriate support, and recognize when professional help is needed.

Resource link

2. Disaster Checklist for Parents

Preparedness is key to ensuring children’s safety in emergencies. This checklist helps parents create a solid plan to protect their children during and after a disaster.

Resource link

3. Common Stress Reactions in Children Post-Disaster

Children of all ages (1-18 years) react differently to disasters. This resource outlines common emotional responses and provides strategies to help children cope.

Resource link

Building Resilient Communities

Children are among the most vulnerable after disasters, but with the right resources and community efforts, they can recover and thrive. By leveraging tools like the RCRC Toolbox, disaster preparedness checklists, and training programs, we can help ensure that children receive the care and stability they need to heal.

If you know of other programs or resources that can assist children in disaster recovery, please share them with us—we want to spread the word to help as many families as possible.