May is National Wildfire Awareness Month, a good reminder that wildfire preparedness starts at home. Taking a few important steps now can help protect a home, family, and neighborhood before wildfire season.

Stay safe with this three-step wildfire preparation plan:

1. GET READY

• Harden your home. Focus on preventing flames from touching the home, and use wildfire-resistant building materials and landscaping. 
• Create defensible space. Clear flammable materials and vegetation to create a barrier that’s tough for wildfire to breach. 
• Sign up to receive local emergency alerts at www.folsom.ca.us/EmergencyAlerts. 

2. GET SET

• Build a wildfire action plan. Detail evacuation routes, emergency contacts, and safety procedures. 
• Prepare your household. Practice the plan so everyone knows how to get out safely. 
• Pack a “Go Bag” with emergency supplies and essentials like clothes, medications, important documents, and supplies in case a quick evacuation is needed. 

3. GO!

• Don’t wait. Evacuate when necessary. 
• Prepare the home before evacuation, if time allows. Shut off the gas, secure windows, and remove flammable items. 
• Include pets in evacuation plans. 

For details about this three-step wildfire preparation plan, visit www.folsom.ca.us/wildfire.