HOW TO PROTECT YOUR HOME

Last year, nearly 561,000acres in California were affected by wildfire. If your home is on the edge of a rural landscape, what’s the best way to protect it from fire? Cal Fire and the U.S. Fire Administration offer this checklist:

Yard: Create a “Defensible Space” of 100 feet around your home. Stack woodpiles at least 30feet from all structures. Any gas or propane tanks should be located at least 10feet away from your home.

Visibility: Make sure your street name sign is clearly posted at each intersection. Post your house address so it can be seen from the street, especially at night.

Roof: Install a fire resistant roof. Clear debris from roof and gutters and remove dead branches. Cover your chimney outlet and stovepipe with a nonflammable screen of 1⁄2inch or smaller mesh.

Water: Maintain and mark an emergency water supply. Create easy firefighter access to your closest emergency water source.

Home design/construction: Use fire-resistant construction. Consider installing residential sprinklers.

Equipment: Use care when operating equipment such as lawnmowers. One small spark may start a fire; a string trimmer is much safer.

Preparation: Find the best two evacuation routes from your home and your community. Practice using both evacuation routes in case one is blocked by smoke or fire. Have a communication plan for your family members in case you aren’t together during an evacuation.

Be alert: Know ahead of time how you will receive emergency information from officials in your community.