August 2026

A Friend's Home Was Damaged - or Destroyed - by Wildfire. What can I say or do?

By ENN Village
Posted: 08/29/2026

I've personally always had trouble offering help, for fear of intruding, getting in the way, or just saying the wrong thing. At a recent ENN exploration of AI, the group asked ChatGPT to offer ways to support those of us who have close friends or relatives caught in a disaster zone. 

The AI response was typically expansive, with suggestions ranging from preparedness and getting out safely to long-term support. Information overload!

I'll start with what might be an increasingly common scenario: when someone you love calls to let you know they have been affected but they are safe. How will you respond? Once you've overcome your shock and dismay, listen for a sense of their emotional state, then offer specific, appropriate help. Ask yourself, "If I were in this person's situation, what would be most helpful to me?"

Each of your relationships is unique, and they may be calling or texting from far away. If you can't bring over dinner or offer to pick up meds or take care of their pets, would they like you to call others in your familial or social network to let them know what's happening? That frees them up to deal with the immediate needs close to home.

I'm no expert, and ChatGPT has probably never experienced a devastating fire, earthquake, flood, or death of a beloved relative or pet. I hope you will use this space to share your stories and thoughts on offering help. 

Take care,

Joanne

PS Don't have your go-bag ready yet? Neither do I! Should ENN start a support group to help us get started? If you think it's a good idea, send email to village@MyENN.org. Tell us when you think we should meet, and if you know anyone who's good at this, put us in touch!