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

Wildfires can occur anywhere and at any time throughout theyear, but the potential is always higher during periods with littleor no rainfall, which make brush, grass, and trees dry and burnmore 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 toknow]

What can you do to prepare for a wildfire? Based on theFEMA's Wildfire Preparedness Toolkit from The National Preparedness Community, here are10 ways to prepare for a wildfire and help protect your home.

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

Select materials and plants that can help contain fire ratherthan fuel it. Creating a 30 foot zone of fire-resistant spacearound your home will help prevent fires from starting near orspreading to your home. Here are a few specific recommendationsfrom Ready.gov:

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

No. 2: Sign up to receive text or email alerts aboutemergencies like wildfire from your local Office of EmergencyManagement.

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

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

No. 3: Teach each family member how to use a fireextinguisher (ABC type) and show them where it'skept.

ABC fire extinguishers use a chemical to extinguish ordinarycombustibles, flammable liquids, and electrical fires. Be sure toinspect them periodically and replace them as frequently asindicated 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, windydays.

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. Thefire was caused by a spark from their equipment while they weretrying to fix a broken pipe. By the time the fire was extinguished,it burned over 240,000 acres, destroyed 1 building, injured 43people, and caused over $118 million dollars in damage.

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

[Related: The 7 largest wildfires in North Americanhistory]

No. 5: Regularly clean roof and gutters.

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

No. 6: Review your homeowners or renters insurancepolicy to ensure that you have adequate coverage for your propertyand personal belongings.

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

The Insurance InformationInstitute recommends an annual insurance check-up so thatyou understand what is and is not covered in your homeownersinsurance policy. You can also create a home inventory to help get your insurance claimsettled faster in the event of fire loss.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Prepare now in the event you are faced with an evacuation—theyare more comman than people realize. Fires and floods causeevacuations most frequently across the U.S. Many wildfires allow notime for people to gather even the most basic necessities, which iswhy planning ahead is essential.

No. 10: Talk to your neighbors about wildfiresafety.

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 suchas elderly or disabled persons. Make plans to take care of childrenwho may be on their own if parents can't get home.

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