Employees with the Interior and Agriculture departments not only support wildland firefighting operations across the country but also respond to other natural disasters, such as hurricanes and floods.
Those working in disaster response may be exposed to highly stressful situations. Resources are available to help all employees.
The extraordinary skill and expertise of land management employees are critical to support communities impacted by all types of natural disasters. While this work is extremely important and meaningful, those working in disaster response may be exposed to highly stressful experiences, including challenging working conditions and weather, potentially working with distressed individuals, or potential exposure to loss of human life.
It is important to proactively attend to the human impact of these events, both for yourself and those you work with. Monitoring your own stress level and performing self-care can be difficult in situations where resources are limited. However, these steps are critical for those working in disaster response.
Resources for All Responders
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Dial or text 988 anytime, from anywhere in the U.S., if you need support. The 988 Lifeline provides free, confidential support for people in distress. You can also call 988 if you are worried about someone else.
Call or text 1-800-985-5990. The Disaster Distress Hotline is a national hotline dedicated to providing year-round crisis counseling for disaster responders and anyone affected by a disaster. This free, multilingual crisis support service is available 24/7 to anyone in the U.S. and its territories who is experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters.
A Guide to Managing Stress for Disaster Responders and First Responders
This guide provides a framework for stress management strategies for responders and their leadership. It was developed by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
Mental Health Self-Assessments
One way to track your reactions after returning from disaster response work is to take an anonymous self-assessment of mental health symptoms. It’s important to note that these symptom screeners do not provide a diagnosis of mental health conditions. The results can be helpful to understand the intensity of potential symptoms and to assist with monitoring over time. Sharing the results of your assessment with a healthcare provider can be a great way to start the conversation about mental health.
Please note that these mental health screeners are anonymous, but they do ask for voluntary information about demographics and other contextual information at the end of each test. You can choose to skip these questions and score the test without sharing any additional information about yourself.
Interior Department Resources
Department of the Interior’s Employee Assistance Program
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers free, confidential, short-term counseling (up to 6 sessions) and consultation for Interior employees and eligible family members.
EAP services can be accessed online or by phone:
- Call 1-800-869-0276 to speak to a live counselor 24/7
- Member Log-In (Org ID: interioreap)
- Download the Espyr Connect mobile app from Apple Store or Google Play. (To download the app on some government-furnished mobile phones, you will need to use the Department-approved portal.)
Forest Service Resources
Forest Service Employee Assistance Program
Forest Service employees and eligible family members can access employee support and wellbeing and development resources through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) vendor Espyr.
- Call 1-833-621-2989
- Password: USFS
Employees may access Espyr services directly through the 24/7 toll-free line or website. All requests will be answered by certified clinicians.
Employees who would like assistance navigating this support system may connect with a Forest Service employee support specialist at SM.FS.employeesupp@usda.gov or (202) 205-1284 (staffed during regular business hours).
Managers may request a management consultation for help navigating challenges. Contact the Employee Support and Wellbeing Branch within the Work Environment and Performance Office at SM.FS.employeesupp@usda.gov.