If you live in an area prone to wildfires and are a caregiver, you must have a preplanned escape route. In the event that your first route is blocked, you should have a secondary or back-up escape plan. As is the case for all potential disasters, you should have a disaster evacuation kit packed and ready to go at all times.

You must preplan how you will be able to get the person you care for out of the house quickly. You may need to enlist the help of a friend or neighbor in developing this plan, as often another person is needed to help move a nonambulatory individual. Your local fire department or rescue squad can also provide assistance.

Someone from the local fire department or social service agency needs to be aware that you have a nonabmulatory resident in your home. This will help ensure that someone will come to assist if you are not home when the wildfire threatens.

In addition to these concerns, prepare your property to help reduce the risk of fire. FEMA's fact sheet on Preparing for Wildfires can help you protect your home: http://www.fema.gov/hazard/wildfire/wf_prepare.shtm.