build fires away from nearby trees or bushes,   always   have   a   way   to extinguish  a  fire,  never  leave  fire unattended Obtain local building codes and weed abatement  ordinances  for  buildings near wooded areas • Use fire-resistant materials when building, renovating, or retrofitting structures Create  a  safety  zone  to  separate home  from  combustible  plants  and vegetables Install electrical lines underground, if possible Prune all branches around residence to a height of 8-10 feet Keep trees adjacent to buildings free of dead or dying wood and moss Remove all dead limbs, needles, and debris from rain gutters Store combustible / flammable materi- als in approved safety containers and keep away from home Keep chimney clean Avoid open burning, especially during dry season Install smoke detectors on every level in your home Make  evacuation  plans  from  home and neighbourhood and have back up plans Avoid   using   wooden   shakes   and shingles for roofing Use only thick, tempered safety glass in large windows and doors Have   disaster   supplies   on   hand (flashlights,  extra  batteries,  portable radios, first aid kits, emergency food and  water,  nonelectric  can  opener, essential  medicines, cash and credit cards, and sturdy shoes) Develop an emergency communication plan in case of separation > Ask an out-of-state relative to serve as the "family contact” | If   trapped    in    a   wildfire,    you CANNOT outrun it:   Crouch in a pond or river and cover head and upper body with wet clothing If a body of water is unavailable, look for shelter in a cleared area or among a bed of rocks and lie flat  and  cover  body  with  wet clothing or soil. Listen  to  radio  for  emergency information Remove     combustible     items (outdoor   furniture,   umbrellas, tarp  coverings,  and  firewood) from around the home Take  down  flammable  drapes and   curtains   and   close   all Venetian   blinds  or   noncomb- ustible window coverings Close  all  doors  and  windows inside home to prevent draft Close  gas valves and  turn  off pilot light Turn on a light in each room for visibility in heavy smoke Place valuables that will not be damaged by water, in a pool or pond If hoses and adequate water are available,  leave  sprinklers  on roofs and anything that might be damaged by fire Be ready to evacuate all family members  and  pets  when  fire nears or when instructed to do so by local officials. | > Be cautious when re-entering         a burned  wild  land area  -  hot  spots can     flare     up without warning Check   the   roof immediately   and extinguish      any sparks or embers and  the  attic  for hidden      burning sparks Re-check         for smoke and sparks throughout      the home  for  several hours afterward Breathe   the   air close     to      the ground through a wet cloth to avoid scorching lungs or inhaling smoke. |