LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – As the weather warms and the hills of Lake County turn from green to brown, the Lake Family Resource Center's California HOPE project offers tips for resilience, specifically working with triggers and stress.

"We're coming into a time when we can be reminded of past fires," said project team lead, JoAnn Saccato. "Our biology can kick in and set us on high alert, with sometimes even small triggers, leading to intense and unpredictable feelings, changes in thoughts and behavior patterns, stress related physical symptoms and strained interpersonal relationships."

According to Saccato, it's not uncommon that things such as helicopter or siren sounds, smoke seen in the distance or smelled, and even the time of day or season of past events when conditions were similar can trigger a stress or anxiety response. And these can happen for children as well as adults.

"These are the times we all can use a little understanding and support," Saccato said. "Just knowing these triggers may happen can help us in the moments they do."

Some simple strategies the California HOPE team teach, particularly those that orient people to the safety of the present moment, can help minimize the duration and intensity of the trigger response.

Exercises such as two simple objects, where you focus on two things you can see, two things you can hear, two things you can feel/touch and two things you can smell or taste.

"It's best to choose objects that aren't responsible for the trigger, but that help you know in the moment you are safe," said Saccato.

"Another, is to take a few slow deep breaths with emphasis on extending the exhale," said Anthony Fernandez, an outreach worker for the project. "This activates the parasympathetic nervous system, or what we call the 'rest and digest' system, and leads to relaxation in the body."

"If the trigger is intense," said Saccato, "then a brisk walk or other activity or exercise that moves the body can be helpful."

The Lake Family Resource Center's California HOPE team is available to meet confidentially with families and individuals on a one-on-one basis and also offers numerous opportunities for connection in community, such as their Walk of HOPE and Cup of HOPE gatherings currently happening throughout Lake County.

“Positive social connections are one of the top things we can do for our resiliency," said Lisa Morrow, executive director of Lake Family Resource Center and program manager of the Cal HOPE project. "And we understand those can sometimes be difficult. That's why the Cal HOPE team is available to meet community members where it's convenient – in private or in the community."

Whether it's connecting and chatting with neighbors, discussing progress and concerns about recovery, or looking for fire related resources, weekly one hour Cup of HOPE gatherings hosted by Cal HOPE outreach workers offer connection and support following the Mendocino Complex fire of 2018.

Also, weekly Walk of HOPE gatherings are slated through June for various trails throughout Lake County.

Details of these events can be viewed on the Lake Family Resource Center California HOPE calendar at www.lakefrc.org/calhope .

The National Disaster Distress Helpline at 800-985-5990 (or text TalkWithUS at 66746) and the Crisis Intervention Hotline at 800- 900-2075 are available 24 hours a day for those needing immediate emotional support.

"We've learned a lot over the past few years. Learning strategies to support our process will help us recover more quickly, both individually and as a community," said Morrow.

Lake Family Resource Center's California HOPE is a short-term community based project helping Lake County residents recover from recent wildfires.

Outreach workers provide free and confidential services to individuals, families, groups and organizations impacted by recent fires, including information and linkage to resources, emotional support, education, and community networking opportunities.

Additionally, free workshops and educational presentations exploring the phases and reactions to disasters are available to groups, schools, businesses and organizations.

For more information on California HOPE and upcoming activities and events, visit www.lakefrc.org/calhope or Facebook, or call 707-349-5203.

Services are provided by Lake FRC through a grant from Lake County Behavioral Health Services.