UC experts from several locations are coming together to produce informative webinars about wildfire safety and recovery, including its physical and mental impacts on those affected — and how you can help. All virtual events are free to members of the UC community and the general public.
Urban Wildfire Response and Recovery Series
This six-part webinar series will focus on the physical health, mental health and social impacts of wildfires, providing a blend of scientific information and practical skills to help with recovery.
Select each event title below to register. Listings reflect Pacific Time.
Urban Wildfire Preparedness – Protecting Your Health and Well-Being
Thursday, Jan. 23, 12 – 1 p.m.
As urban wildfires become an increasing threat due to climate change and expanding urban development, it’s crucial for communities to be well-prepared. Join us for an informative and empowering webinar where we will discuss actionable steps you can take to protect your health and well-being in the event of an urban wildfire.
Crisis Response for Kids: Keeping Children Safe During and After Wildfires
Thursday, Jan. 30, 12 – 1 p.m.
Children eat, drink and breathe three times more than adults, making them especially vulnerable to wildfire exposure risks. Get expert advice on how to protect youth.
Psychological First Aid and Communal Support for Acute Stress
Thursday, Feb. 6, 12 – 1 p.m.
Immediately after climate disasters, it is critical to help people who are impacted get access to psychological first aid tips and community support. In this webinar, we’ll help you understand how to find and direct people to available resources.
Community Impacts and Models of Community Recovery
Thursday, Feb. 13, 12 – 1 p.m.
Learn about the social impacts of wildfires, as well as the model of community response and recovery.
Wildfire Impacts on Brain & Cognition
Thursday, Feb. 20, 12 – 1 p.m.
Climate disasters like wildfires impact our brains and vital cognitive functions. Learn about important climate resiliency efforts that protect brain health.
This session is sponsored by the UC Center for Climate Health and Equity (CCHE), UC CCHE Climate Mental Health Council, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, UCLA Center for Healthy Climate Solutions, Sustainable LA Grand Challenges, and the UCSF Alumni Association.
Targeted training for mental health and health care clinicians
Thursday, Jan. 23, 5 – 7 p.m.
Calling mental health and health care clinicians: Whether you want to help the Los Angeles-area community during the current wildfire, or if you’d like to be prepared to assist during future emergencies, register to attend the Wildfire Response Psychological First Aid Training webinar, taking place Jan. 23 from 5 – 7 p.m. (PT).
Disaster mental health experts Dr. April Naturale and Dr. Sander Koyfman of the nonprofit Vibrant Emotional Health will provide a free two-hour psychoeducational training on basic skills to help those impacted by wildfires with acute stress responses.
This session is sponsored by by the UC CCHE, UC CCHE Climate Mental Health Council, and the UCLA Center for Healthy Climate Solutions.