2. Protect Your Home
* Ensure that fire apparatuses can reach your home. The driveway entrance should be clearly marked and the address displayed for easy identification.
* Clean the roof and gutters regularly.
* Prevent dry plants and combustible materials from accumulating under buildings and in attics by enclosing openings with ½" mesh screen.
* Install a smoke detector on each level of your home and in every sleeping area. Test the detectors monthly, and change the batteries once a year.
* Keep available a ladder that will reach the roof and household items that can be used as fire tools, such as buckets and shovels.

3. Create a Safety Zone Around Your Home
* Mow the grass regularly.
* Rake and clear combustible vegetation, such as leaves, dead limbs, and twigs.
* Remove leaves and rubbish from under structures.
* Remove dead branches that extend over the roof.
* Remove vines from the building walls.
* Clear an area around propane tanks and the barbecue grills.
* Regularly dispose of newspapers and rubbish.
* Safely store gasoline, oily rags, and other flammable materials in approved safety containers away from the base of buildings.
* Have a garden hose that is long enough to reach all structures on the property.

4. When Wildland Fire Threatens
If you are warned that a wildland fire is threatening your area, listen to evacuation information on KCBS All News 740AM. Follow the instructions given by the Department of Emergency Management (DEM). If you are advised to evacuate, do so immediately.

5. Preparing Your Family for a Wildland Fire Emergency
Wildland fires and other disasters, i.e., hurricanes, floods, and earthquakes, can strike quickly and without warning. Therefore, it is important that you and your family have an emergency plan already prepared.

* Discuss the various disasters that could occur and how to prepare and respond to them, including instructions by the DEM and emergency responders.
* Ensure that everyone knows how to call 9-1-1.
* Show responsible family members how and when to shut off water, gas, and electrical main switches.
* Plan several escape routes away from your home by car and foot.
* Designate two meeting places in the event family members are separated:
* A place that is a safe distance from your home in the event that a wildland fire occurs in your neighborhood.
* A place outside of your neighborhood in the event you are unable to return home.
- Make plans to care for your children or neighborhood children who may be left on their own.
- Make a list of items to bring if advised to evacuate.
* Practice what you have discussed.
* Talk to your neighbors about wildland fire safety. Be aware of neighbors who have special needs, i.e., elderly, disabled, and non-English speaking persons.

Are you prepared for the next emergency? Here are some important numbers that you need to know, just in case something happens!

Click here to visit the KCBS Earthquake Epicenter to find out your important numbers in your county.