UC Davis Wildfire Study Door-to-Door Survey

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In November 2018, Butte County experienced a large and destructive fire, known as the Camp Fire, under conditions of exceptionally hot and dry winds. Many people were evacuated, many were hospitalized, 88 died, and over 18,000 structures were destroyed. These recent fires in California were unusual in the vast urban and suburban areas affected. Research is needed on both physical and mental health consequences of these fires. Concerns related to toxic chemicals widely used in building construction and interior furnishings may produce different exposures than typical forest and wildland fires, resulting in adverse health outcomes. Additionally, traumatic experiences may have long term impacts on emotional and mental health.

The UC Davis Wildfire Study research team is recruiting volunteers to conduct door-to-door surveys in Butte County. The purpose of the survey is to learn about how people in Butte County experienced the wildfire, their needs related to the impacts of the fire, and potential health impacts of the fire. This information will be used to understand how wildfires may affect health status and to help local agencies and health care organizations prepare for the future. Those who have a passion for or an interest in public health sciences, who are active in their community, or who want to contribute to research on health impacts of the wildfires are invited to volunteer.

The surveys will be conducted on Saturdays in the months of April, May, and/or June. Each 8-hour volunteer day includes two 15 minute breaks and a 30 minute lunch period. Lunch will be provided.

Wildfire Study Volunteer

• Complete trainings: training on how to conduct the door-to-door survey, Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) online training if your school/place of employment is a subscribing organization with the CITI Program, and/or other online training(s).
• In partnership with UC Davis volunteers, community liaisons will contact households door-to-door in Butte County.
• Recruit potential participants for the survey.
• Conduct wildfire survey with questions about needs and health conditions, as well as demographic data.
• Distribute outreach/health education materials.

This volunteer opportunity is suitable for those wanting to improve their communication skills by interacting with others on a professional level, especially concerning health-related issues; those wanting to develop skills in disaster response and epidemiology; and/or those who want to gain more experience with health-related data collection.