Move flammable objects at least 30 feet from your home. Woodpiles, lawn furniture, wood mulch and construction material can easily catch fire and spread to the building.

Clean your roof, gutters, and decks of leaves and other flammables. Windblown embers spread fires, so remove anything that might could provide tinder and ignite.

Watch the fire danger signs around the Island and be extra alert when the pointer moves into the red high danger zone. Call 911 to report fires. (Rick Wallace photo)

It would be impossible to evacuate the whole island quickly. Plus, many variables go into an evacuation. If the wind blows a fire in the wrong direction, a pre-designated evacuation location could send residents toward danger instead of away from it. You need a household evacuation plan.

Agree on a meeting point. It should be a location outside high-risk areas.

Plan two or more escape routes in case your main road access is blocked. One of the escape routes should be on foot, in case driving is impossible. Make sure everyone in the household knows the routes and practices them.

Make specific plans for pets and large animals such as horses.

Agree on a family communication strategy. A family communication strategy names someone outside the area as the main contact point for all family members if you get separated or have trouble with phone networks.

Have a go kit ready. Put critical supplies in a backpack in case you need to leave on foot. Traffic jams might make it impossible to leave by car.

Gather important papers and scan them to your phone. Put the scans on a thumb drive and keep it in your go kit. Store the scans securely online as well.