07/25/2024
๐ ๐ฒ๐๐๐ฎ๐ด๐ฒ ๐ณ๐ฟ๐ผ๐บ ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐ ๐ฎ๐๐ผ๐ฟ:
Dear Jasperites,
I write to you today with profound sorrow as we begin to come to terms with the devastating impact of last nightโs wildfire that has ravaged our beloved community. The destruction and loss that many of you are facing and feeling is beyond description and comprehension; my deepest sympathies go out to each of you.
Our first priority continues to be your safety and well-being. The Incident Management Team together with responders on the ground, continue to work valiantly to protect our town โ our home โ and to coordinate supports for evacuees in other communities.
I want to assure you that your Mayor and Councillors are committed to supporting our community through this truly unprecedented challenge and beyond. We will work closely with all levels of government, other organizations, and volunteers to coordinate relief efforts and provide essential resources and information.
Your resilience and strength have always been the backbone of our community. In the coming days and weeks, we will rally together, support one another, and begin the daunting process of recovery.
Please continue to be patient and take care of yourselves and your loved ones.
This experience is tremendously traumatic for each of us and for the community. I encourage you to reach out to your neighbours, colleagues and friends: share your grief; share your pain; stay connected.
Offer a helping hand, a listening ear, a supportive word where you can, and know that we are all in this together.
With unwavering support and resolve,
Mayor Ireland
_______________________
Jasper, itโs hard to know where to start, but here are some resources compiled by our team:
๐๐บ๐ผ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป๐ฎ๐น ๐ฆ๐๐ฝ๐ฝ๐ผ๐ฟ๐ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ ๐ฒ๐ป๐๐ฎ๐น ๐๐ฒ๐ฎ๐น๐๐ต
๐๐ผ๐บ๐บ๐ผ๐ป ๐ฆ๐๐ฟ๐ฒ๐๐ ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป๐: It's normal to feel overwhelmed, anxious, or sad. Some physical symptoms might include headaches, stomach aches, or muscle tension.
๐ช๐ต๐ฒ๐ป ๐๐ผ ๐ฆ๐ฒ๐ฒ๐ธ ๐๐ฒ๐น๐ฝ: If you experience severe emotional reactions, such as excessive guilt, anxiety, or thoughts of self-harm, please reach out for professional help.
๐ง๐ฎ๐ธ๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฒ ๐ผ๐ณ ๐ฌ๐ผ๐๐ฟ๐๐ฒ๐น๐ณ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐๐ผ๐๐ฒ๐ฑ ๐ข๐ป๐ฒ๐
1. Eat Well and Stay Hydrated: Good nutrition and hydration are crucial for maintaining your energy, focus, and overall health.
2. Stay Active: Gentle physical activities, like walking or stretching, can help relieve stress and improve your mood.
3. Get Enough Rest: Ensure you and your family get adequate sleep to better manage stress and emotions.
4. Practice Relaxation Techniques: Deep breathing exercises can calm your nervous system and help you think more clearly.
Support for Children and Teens
โข Limit Media Exposure: Protect children from repeated exposure to distressing news. When they do see or hear about the disaster, discuss it calmly and reassure them.
โข Model Positive Coping: Children learn from your reactions.
๐๐ฒ๐น๐ฝ๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐๐ต๐ถ๐น๐ฑ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ป ๐๐ผ๐ฝ๐ฒ:
Encourage Open Communication: Let children express their feelings and ask questions. Answer honestly at a level they can understand.
Maintain Routines: Keeping regular meal and sleep times can provide a sense of normalcy and security.
๐ฅ๐ฒ๐๐ผ๐๐ฟ๐ฐ๐ฒ๐:
Psychologistsโ Association of Alberta: 3 free sessions with a volunteer psychologist. 1-888-424-0297 | paa@paa-ab.ca
Mental Health Help Line (24/7): 1-877-303-2642
Addiction Help Line: 1-866-332-2322
First Nations & Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line: 1-855-242-3310
Crisis Text Line Text: โCONNECTโ to 741741
Alberta 211: 211 Alberta is a 24/7 crisis line and single point of contact for digital supports and services near you โ no matter where you are in the province. Call or text 'INFO' to 211 or visit ab.211.ca.
Text4hope: Text HOPEAB to 393939 to subscribe.
Health Link: 811
Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868, www.KidsHelpPhone.ca
