Seven Easy Steps to Protect Your Home from Wildfires

Clear: Clear off pine needles, dead leaves and anything else that can burn from your roof lines, gutters, decks, porches, patios and along fence lines. Falling embers will have nothing to burn.

Store Away: Store away furniture cushions, rattan mats, potted plants and other decorations from doors, decks, porches and patios. These items catch embers and help ignite your home if you leave them outside.

Screen and Seal: Windblown embers can get into homes easily through vents and other openings, and burn the home from the inside out. Walk around your house to see what openings you can screen or temporarily seal up.

Rake: Embers that land in mulch that touches your house, deck or fence is a big fire hazard. Rake out any landscaping mulch to at least 5 feet away.

Trim: Trim back any shrubs or tree branches that come closer than 5 feet to your house, in addition to any overhanging branches.

Remove: Walk around your house and remove anything within 30 feet that could burn, such as woodpiles, spare lumber, vehicles and boats – anything that can act as a large source of fuel.

Close: If ordered to evacuate, make sure all windows and doors are closed tightly and seal up any pet doors. Many homes are destroyed by embers entering these openings and burning the house from the inside out.