Drought and climate change are making wildfires are a common threat to the residents of California. Use these tips for wildfire safety in Redlands, CA and the surrounding areas.

While you may want to curse the heavens for the fire rapidly approaching your home, you should know that 90 percent of wildfires are caused by your fellow human beings. Some human-caused fires result from unattended campfires, burning of debris, negligently discarded cigarettes, and intentional acts of arson. Lightning strikes or volcanism start the remaining 10 percent of wildfires. Unless humans get their act together, €œwild€ fires will continue to be a nuisance, or even tragedy, to thousands of people every year. Here is how you can stay safe when a wildfire is scorching your area. When a fire is approaching your home . . .

• Wear protective clothing that covers the whole body. Choose things like a bandana for your face, long-sleeved shirt, pants, gloves, and sturdy shoes.
• Listen carefully to the local officials; evacuate immediately when ordered.
• Place all pets in one room to gather them quickly should you need to evacuate.

When you're sure you have everything before evacuating . . .

• Lock up the entire house - windows, vents, doors, blinds, and other openings. Shutting off air flow in the house is a good way to keep fire damage to a minimum.
• Move flammable items close to the center of your home.
• Connect hoses and sprinklers to the outside taps. Soak your roof and house, and (if possible) remove any shrubbery around your house.
• Gather tools like a rake, axe, bucket, saw, and shovel in case you need them. Tools are human's best friend in an emergency situation.

Your home might burn, but you can rest a little easier if you have a quality homeowners insurance policy. Getting the right insurance coverage shouldn't be a task you have to worry about, so contact Little & Sons Insurance Services. Our dedicated team can help you get the right homeowners insurance. We serve Banning, Beaumont, Calimesa, Redlands, and the surrounding California area and can help you protect yourself against the risks you face.