Preparing Your Home to Avoid Disaster.

• Position: WILDFIRES

There are more than 400 active wildfires burning in the U.S., according to the Fire, Weather & Avalanche Center. The startling number is cause for concern considering that many Americans might not know what to do in the case of a nearby fire. It is evident that wildfires can spring up at a moment's notice and creating an emergency plan and kit may save lives.

SafeHome.org has developed an emergency prep guide to help you better plan before disaster strikes:

* Stow flammable objects at least 30 feet away from the home.

* Maintain a 10-foot distance between the house and any foliage.

* Keep tree limbs trimmed at least 10 feet above the ground to prevent ladder fuels. Ditto with branches hanging within 10 feet of your roof, chimney, or house.

* Water your yard regularly to avoid dry grass that is vulnerable to ignition.

* Install nonflammable vegetation and mulch instead of their flammable counterparts. Pine needles, pine bark, and large mulched areas are fire-friendly, so avoid them.

* Plant flowers, vegetables, and other growth in smaller, irregular groups instead of large masses.

* Rake dead leaves and twigs. Here are some evacuation tips:

* Leave your home as quickly as possible...