If you were evacuated from your home, wait until authorities share it is safe to return. Also, make sure you have:
- Safe drinking water;
- Running electricity;
- Safe road conditions;
- Structurally sound homes; and
- Sewage, ash, and debris have been removed.
Children should not be at a cleanup site or cleanup from a wildfire. Fires may leave large amounts of ash and dust contaminated with harmful chemicals such as asbestos, arsenic, and/or lead. Fires can lead to other hazardous conditions such as broken glass and exposed electric wires.
Adults should avoid tracking contaminated substances and ash back to areas frequented by children (e.g. homes, cars) on clothing or shoes. Remove shoes at the doorway, wash clothing separately, and change out of clothing prior to interacting with children or returning home. If your child has had contact with any potentially hazardous substance or has been playing in a fire-damaged area, wash their hands and any other exposed body part thoroughly. Flush their eyes, too. Remove any exposed clothing and wash separately as soon as possible.
Grief associated with loss, stress or anxiety from the wildfire disaster (or witnessing impact on pets and wildlife) may cause emotional distress. Watch for signs your child is distressed such as:
- Clinging behavior and fear of separation
- Uncooperative behaviors (temper tantrums, arguing)
- Nightmares
- Complaining of stomach aches, headaches, or feeling sick
- Fears
- Eating or sleeping too much or too little
- Risk-taking behaviors
- Withdrawal from previously enjoyed activities or friends
- Difficulty concentrating
- Uncontrollable crying