A Small Brush Fire Leads To Devastation: How To Deal With The Aftermath

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. - Aug. 6, 2024 - PRLog -- The Edgehill Fire near a San Bernardino neighborhood was small—a little over 50 acres, but the results were devastating for the people living nearby. The fire was contained in three hours, but by then, most of the homes in its path were damaged or destroyed. The emotional damage is just beginning, says Dr. Noelle Nelson, psychologist and author of Phoenix Rising - Surviving Catastrophic Loss: Fires, Floods, Hurricanes and Tornadoes (Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/PHOENIX-RISING-Surviving-Catastrophic-Hurricanes-ebook/dp/B0976RQFXX/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Phoenix+Risings%2C+Noelle+Nelson&qid=1625864525&sr=8-1)).

"The question becomes 'what to do next'," says Nelson. "The feelings of hopelessness, sadness and despair are overwhelming. It's impossible, at this point, when you've just lost your home and your entire possessions, to conceive of trying to figure out how to rebuild your life from literally nothing."

Nelson speaks from experience. She lost her home and everything in it in the 2018 Woolsey Fire in Southern California.

Although the situation is overwhelming, there are things to do right away that will greatly help in the recovery process both in the short and long term, says Nelson.

--Find those you can rely on. "I call them 'anchors'," says Nelson. "They are close family and friends you can rely on during the first days and weeks after a disaster. If they offer you a place to stay, say yes. You'll be in shock for quite a while. Let them help you shop for essentials, drive you to aid centers and arrange for meetings with insurance agents or bankers. If you don't have anchors nearby, look for assistance and shelter through the Red Cross and other nonprofits that step in to help."

Nelson says, as hard as this may be, continue as much as possible with work, school and outside interests. "These 'normal' things will give you strength and purpose when so much is not normal," she advises.

Accept the kindness of strangers. "Despite what we hear, most people are good and want to help others," explains Nelson. "Some are volunteers from local charities and from government agencies experienced in helping those affected by disasters. Others can be co-workers, casual acquaintances or perfect strangers."

Finally, give yourself space to grieve. Cry, get angry, be frustrated. "These are very normal feelings and can last a long time, even years," says Nelson. "Attend local support group meetings with others experiencing what you are going through. These groups can be a good source of information, friendship and comfort."

Nelson wrote Phoenix Rising to share what she learned from her experiences and provide practical, specific ways to deal with the inevitable PTSD, horror and shock and then have the strength to start anew.

Phoenix Rising (https://www.amazon.com/PHOENIX-RISING-Surviving-Catastrop...) is available in paperback, audio (https://www.amazon.com/Phoenix-Rising-Surviving-Catastrop...) and on Kindle (https://www.amazon.com/PHOENIX-RISING-Surviving-Catastrophic-Hurricanes-ebook/dp/B0976RQFXX/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Phoenix+Risings%2C+Noelle+Nelson&qid=1625864525&sr=8-1).