In July, a wildfire on the hills north of the Capitol forced the evacuation of about 40 homes as the flames quickly spread within a half-mile radius of a Salt Lake City neighborhood.

The evacuation orders were later lifted as firefighters began to contain the blaze and prevent damage to homes. But the sudden order was a reminder that it’s never too early to prepare for wildfires, especially as Utah is having a particularly active wildfire season this year.

According to experts, here are some steps you can take to better prepare your home and protect your family before a wildfire occurs.

Create defensible areas around your home

This step is essentially like creating “buffer zones” around your property, explained Karl Hunt, a spokesman for the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands.

“You create an area where the fire cannot come directly into your home,” Hunt said.

The National Fire Protection Association recommends the following:

Five feet from your home: Make sure there are no flammable materials in the area, such as stacks of firewood or dried grass. Also, make sure to clear gutters of dried leaves. Even the smallest fuel can develop into a large fire.

1.5 to 9 meters from your home: Plant flowers or other low-growing plants well apart from each other – at least twice their mature height. If already planted, it is best to keep them under 45 cm tall.

When it comes to trees, consider planting deciduous trees instead of conifers, recommends the Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands. Studies show that deciduous trees are less likely to burn, while conifers can be highly flammable.

Up to 200 feet from your home: Make sure there are no dead plants or debris that could create a fire trail to your home, including overlapping tree branches that could lead to and touch the roof.

For more information on creating defensible spaces, see:

Pack a personalized emergency kit

Different people may need different things in their disaster kit, but common items include copies of important financial documents, military records, and birth, death, and marriage certificates.

The Utah Division of Emergency Management also recommends packing three days’ worth of nonperishable food, plenty of water, at least five days’ worth of cash, hygiene items, and a first aid kit.

“Make a list in advance of everything in your home that you want to take with you in case of an evacuation,” said Wade Mathews, a spokesman for the Department of Emergency Management.

That way, you’ll already know what to grab if danger threatens. Personal lists might include family heirlooms and other valuables, as well as prescription medications and items like contact lenses and contact lens solution.

Families with children should pack pacifiers, baby bottles, diapers, favorite toys and blankets. Those with pets should pack vaccination records and pet food and make sure pets wear collars with identification tags.

For more information, visit beready.utah.gov.

Sign up for Reverse 911 and other emergency alerts

When the Ensign Peak wildfire broke out, rescue workers went door to door to notify neighbors of the evacuation.

However, there are many ways to be notified of important information in an emergency, depending on the magnitude and location of the threat, Mathews said.

He suggested signing up for a local 911 emergency system that sends emergency notifications via text message, email and phone.

Each region or county has its own alert system, Mathews said, so it’s important to know in advance. To sign up for the Salt Lake County alert registry, visit slc.gov/em/alert-registry/.

Check your insurance policy – ​​and check it again

Wildfires are usually covered by home insurance, so unlike flood insurance, you may not need a separate plan.

But experts say there are still some important things to look out for. “You need to talk to your insurance company or agent to find out what coverage you have because the amount of coverage and the amount of payments varies,” said Jon Pike, director of the Utah Insurance Department.

Pike recommends reviewing your insurance policy about once a year or whenever you notice an increase in your premium.

Be sure to ask about your maximum coverage limits, what your policy covers in terms of the value of your property, what the homeowner’s liability is in the event of a loss, and how long it typically takes the insurer to help homeowners recover from that loss.

“It’s good to look at the experiences of others, especially those who are in a similar field to you. Then you can make your decision again based on what you think your own needs are,” Pike said.

What to do in case of a forest fire:

Preparation can give you some peace of mind. But here’s what experts say about what to do when danger threatens.

Close all windows and doors: The smallest ember that enters your home can cause major damage. Secure windows and doors before leaving the house.

Close openings if possible: Sealing openings to the outside can help prevent smoke damage if you have the time to do it safely. It’s best to start this work when there’s a threat of evacuation.

Be prepared to change the evacuation route: Evacuation orders should include evacuation routes, but it’s best to familiarize yourself with the roads in your area in advance. That way, you’ll already know where to go in case evacuation routes change due to the flames.

Seek shelter from the American Red Cross: The Utah Division of Emergency Management typically partners with the American Red Cross to establish and operate local emergency shelters, which are often located in schools, churches or other community centers.