When a 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck Humboldt County on December 5, 2024, it was a stark reminder of life’s unpredictability. Yet amid the uncertainty, something powerful emerged- the strength of community. Families, caregivers, and playgroup leaders came together, checking in on one another and offering support in both big and small ways.
That morning at playgroups, the depth of these connections was clear. While parents made urgent calls and exchanged updates, children found comfort in the familiar rhythm of play. After ensuring their loved ones were safe and confirming they were in a tsunami-safe zone, leaders kept playgroups open and held circle time as usual, offering the invaluable gift of stability and consistency during a time filled with stress and uncertainty. Families instinctively stepped in, watching over each other’s children and offering reassurance.
Having faced wildfires and earthquakes before, our community understood the importance of being prepared. During playgroups, navigators shared trauma-informed resources, including Trinka and Sam: The Day the Earth Shook, to help children process the event. We also provided Dr. Kristie Brandt and Dr. Bruce Perry’s letter providing guidance on how to help children recover from natural disasters, emphasizing that stress responses are largely behavioral and may not be immediate. These materials, available in English and Spanish, were shared immediately on our website and social media, along with emergency planning and resource information, to ensure broad accessibility.
In the following weeks, our team expanded efforts countywide, ensuring all 23 playgroups had physical copies of these trauma-informed resources and earthquake preparedness plans. We stayed connected with families, checked in on how children were processing the event, and provided self-regulation strategies. Recognizing the emotional toll on those supporting families, we also prioritized the well-being of playgroup leaders and First 5 staff, creating space for them to debrief and process their experiences.
This experience reaffirmed what we’ve always known- community is our greatest strength. We are deeply grateful for the dedication of our playgroup leaders, who provided consistency and support when families needed it most. Together, we will continue fostering spaces where children feel safe, parents feel supported, and our community remains strong.
Interested in accessing these trauma informed resources for your families?
· To access a free PDF of Trinka and Sam: The day the Earth Shook and more Trinka and Sam stories to support families after other types of disasters visit:
Trinka And Sam The Day The Earth Shook | Piplo Productions
*available in multiple languages
· Dr. Kristie Brandt & Dr. Bruce Perry’s Letter, Helping Young Children Recover after the Northern California Wild Fires:
English:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TKmnxTrI-LfBxPfc4Od3IifCol6CLT_g/view?usp=sharing
Spanish: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VBKKTinEPw7LZ5f4jrRAOF7bispTl3Mw/view?usp=sharing
· First 5 Humboldt “Calming Together” brochure help children and adult self-regulate:
English: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZjR5Ihf09bdNcmow4FEqtH6mbw4BXUJQ/view?usp=drive_link
Spanish: https://drive.google.com/file/d/17U3ji26FMIufWkOIcKyhaQYjaBOuqzgs/view?usp=sharing