• back your car in the garage heading out with windows closed and keys in the ignition.

• close the garage door, leave it unlocked, disconnect automatic door opener in case of power failure.

• keep a flashlight and portable radio with you at all times and stay tuned to your local news station.

• move any combustible items and yard furniture away from the house or store it in the garage.

• cover the outside of windows, attic openings, eaves and vents with fire resistive material such as 1/2 inch or thicker plywood. Close window shutters and blinds if they are fire resistive. Remove all window curtains and coverings if they are flammable.

• attach garden hoses to spigots and place them so that they can reach all areas of your house and outbuildings.

• fill all sinks, bath tubs, trash cans, buckets, etc. with water. Keep small rugs, potato sacks, or large towels handy to dip into the water and extinguish spot fires

• place a ladder against the house on the opposite side of the approaching fire for access to the roof.

• close all windows and doors around your home to prevent sparks from blowing inside; close all doors within the house to slow fire spread inside.

• turn on lights in all rooms, on the porch and in the yard; your home will be more visible through the smoke or darkness.

• shut off butane/propane or natural gas valves.

• move furniture away from windows and sliding glass doors to keep them from igniting from radiant heat.

• if you have an emergency generator or portable gasoline powered pump that will supply water from a water source, mark its location and be ready to use it.