Talking to Your Child During Fire and Evacuation Warnings: A Guide for Angeleno Parents

In recent years, the Los Angeles area has faced devastating fires, including the Palisades, Eaton, and Sepulveda blazes. These events not only disrupt daily life but can also create intense fear and uncertainty, especially for children. As parents, your role in maintaining their emotional well-being is crucial. Here’s how to talk to your child during fire emergencies while fostering a sense of safety and preparedness.

1. Create a Sense of Safety Through Clear Communication

Children thrive on predictability and transparency. During a fire or evacuation warning, explain what is happening in simple, age-appropriate language. For example:

  • For younger children (ages 3-6): “There’s a fire nearby, and the firefighters are working hard to put it out. We’re going to stay safe by listening to the helpers and following their directions.”
  • For older children (ages 7-11): “The fire in our area is serious, but we have a plan to stay safe. We’ll leave early if we need to, and we’ll stick together.”

Using reassuring phrases like “We are prepared,” “The firefighters are here to help,” and “We’re doing everything to keep you safe” helps reduce anxiety. Clinical psychologist Dr. Bruce Perry’s research emphasizes the importance of co-regulation—a caregiver’s calmness helps regulate a child’s stress response (Perry & Szalavitz, 2017).

2. Involve Them in the Process

Children feel empowered when they have a role in staying safe. For example:

  • Let them pack a “go-bag” with comforting items like a stuffed animal, a favorite book, or snacks.
  • Teach them the family’s evacuation plan in simple steps, such as, “We’ll leave through the front door, get in the car, and drive to Grandma’s house.”

Giving them manageable tasks fosters a sense of control, which reduces feelings of helplessness.

3. Address Their Emotions

Fires and evacuations can trigger strong emotions, from fear to confusion. Validate their feelings and normalize their experience. For instance:

  • “It’s okay to feel scared. Fires can be big and loud, but I’m here to help you through it.”
  • “I know you’re worried about your toys, but we can replace things. What’s most important is that we stay safe together.”

According to the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN), acknowledging children’s fears helps them process events more healthily and reduces the risk of lingering trauma.

4. Practice Coping Skills Together

Help your child manage stress in the moment by introducing simple, calming techniques:

  • Deep Breathing: Teach them to take “bubble breaths”—inhale deeply through the nose and exhale as if they’re blowing a bubble.
  • Grounding Techniques: Encourage them to name five things they see, four things they feel, three things they hear, two things they smell, and one thing they taste.
  • Reframing the Situation: Use phrases like, “This is a chance for us to be super brave and work as a team.”

5. After the Event: Decompress and Reassure

Once the danger has passed, create space for your child to share their thoughts and feelings. Ask open-ended questions like, “What was the scariest part for you?” or “What do you think the firefighters were doing?”

Normalize returning to routines, but be mindful that children might show signs of stress later, such as clinginess, trouble sleeping, or irritability. If these persist, consider seeking professional support. Many Los Angeles-based therapists specialize in trauma care for children and families.

Final Thoughts

As Angeleno parents, we’re no strangers to the challenges of fire season. By communicating calmly, involving your child in preparedness, and offering emotional support, you can help them navigate these intense experiences with resilience. Remember, your actions now can lay the groundwork for how they cope with future emergencies.

Stay safe, and let’s support each other through these tough times. For more resources on family fire safety, visit ReadyLA.


References:

  • Perry, B., & Szalavitz, M. (2017). The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog: And Other Stories from a Child Psychiatrist’s Notebook. Basic Books.
  • National Child Traumatic Stress Network. (n.d.). “Helping Children After a Wildfire.” Retrieved from https://www.nctsn.org.

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