Massive wildfires have raged this year in Alaska, California, Canada, Idaho, Oregon and Washington. Many started from natural causes, such as lightning, but most are caused by humans, either accidentally — from cigarettes, campfires, or outdoor burning — or intentionally.

Wildfires can occur anywhere and at any time throughout the year, but the potential is always higher during periods with little or no rainfall, which make brush, grass, and trees dry and burn more easily. High winds can also contribute to spreading the fire. When they strike, wildfires destroy homes, businesses, infrastructure, natural resources, and agriculture.

[Related: It's wildfire season: 5 things your clients need to know]

What can you do to prepare for a wildfire? Based on the FEMA's Wildfire Preparedness Toolkit from The National Preparedness Community, here are 10 ways to prepare for a wildfire and help protect your home.

No. 1: Design and landscape your home with wildfire safety in mind.

Select materials and plants that can help contain fire rather than fuel it. Creating a 30 foot zone of fire-resistant space around your home will help prevent fires from starting near or spreading to your home. Here are a few specific recommendations from Ready.gov:

• Plants should be carefully spaced, low-growing and free of resins, oils and waxes that burn easily.
• Mow the lawn regularly. Prune trees up six to 10 feet from the ground.
• Space conifer trees 30 feet between crowns.
• Create a 'fire-free' area within five feet of the home, using non-flammable landscaping materials and/or high-moisture-content annuals and perennials.
• Remove dead vegetation from under deck and within 10 feet of house.
• Consider fire-resistant material for patio furniture, swing sets, etc.
• Remove firewood stacks and propane tanks; they should not be located in this zone.
• Water plants, trees and mulch regularly.
• Consider xeriscaping if you are affected by water-use restrictions.

No. 2: Sign up to receive text or email alerts about emergencies like wildfire from your local Office of Emergency Management.

You can receive important lifesaving alerts no matter where you are — at home, at school, at work, or even on vacation.

Public safety officials use timely and reliable systems to alert you and your family in the event of natural or man-made disasters. Many communities also offer emergency alert notifications through their own systems. Please go to the Integrated Public Alert & Warning System website to learn more information.

No. 3: Teach each family member how to use a fire extinguisher (ABC type) and show them where it's kept.

ABC fire extinguishers use a chemical to extinguish ordinary combustibles, flammable liquids, and electrical fires. Be sure to inspect them periodically and replace them as frequently as indicated in the owner's manual.

No. 4: Don't use anything (i.e. lawn mowers, trimmers, welders, chain saws) that will create sparks outside on dry, windy days.

You may face criminal charges if you are found to have accidently caused a wildfire. In California, two laborers accidentally caused the Zaca wildfire in 2007. The fire was caused by a spark from their equipment while they were trying to fix a broken pipe. By the time the fire was extinguished, it burned over 240,000 acres, destroyed 1 building, injured 43 people, and caused over $118 million dollars in damage.

The two laborers were charged with felony arson, despite the fire being an accident.

[Related: The 7 largest wildfires in North American history]

No. 5: Regularly clean roof and gutters.

It's also recommended that you remove dead branches from trees that extend over the roof.

No. 6: Review your homeowners or renters insurance policy to ensure that you have adequate coverage for your property and personal belongings.

Most homeowner policies cover property losses caused by brush, grass or forest fire. However, most policies do not cover home landscaping and plants that could be destroyed in a wildland fire. And no policy can replace personal items such as photographs, artwork and other memorabilia.

The Insurance Information Institute recommends an annual insurance check-up so that you understand what is and is not covered in your homeowners insurance policy. You can also create a home inventory to help get your insurance claim settled faster in the event of fire loss.

No. 7: Keep the gas grill and propane tank at least 15 feet away from any structure.

Clear a 15-foot area around the grill. Do not use the grill during potentially dangerous fire weather conditions. And always have a fire extinguisher or hose nearby.

No. 8: Do not park vehicles in tall, dry grass if a fire weather watch or fire weather/red flag warning has been issued.

Exhaust systems are very hot and can ignite dry grass. Other vehicle fire safety tips include:

• Be sure chains and other metal parts aren't dragging from your vehicle—they throw sparks.
• Check your tire pressure — driving on an exposed wheel rim can cause sparks.
• Never let your brake pads wear too thin; metal on metal makes sparks.

No. 9: Build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan.

Prepare now in the event you are faced with an evacuation—they are more comman than people realize. Fires and floods cause evacuations most frequently across the U.S. Many wildfires allow no time for people to gather even the most basic necessities, which is why planning ahead is essential.

No. 10: Talk to your neighbors about wildfire safety.

Plan how the neighborhood could work together after a wildfire. Make a list of your neighbors' skills such as medical or technical. Consider how you could help neighbors who have special needs such as elderly or disabled persons. Make plans to take care of children who may be on their own if parents can't get home.

Related: Here are the top 10 areas most at risk for wildfire damage