SALT LAKE CITY — Being forced to evacuate a home or cope with other natural disasters can be a little less hectic with certain preparations made in advance.

Thousands throughout Utah have been forced to evacuate their homes in the past week as wildfires have burned throughout the state. The fires have been reminders that wildfires do not only happen in remote, uninhabited areas: In a desert climate like Utah's, they can be a real threat to homes and businesses.

Evacuees of the Dump Fire in Saratoga Springs and Eagle Mountain returned home late Saturday afternoon after it was determined that a 5,500-acre wildfire was no longer a threat to homes. Other evacuees still await word of the fate of their homes as the Wood Hollow fire rages on and the Church Camp fire continues to grow.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency responded to both the Dump Fire and the Wood Hollow Fire. They say steps taken before, during and after home and wildfires can prevent loss and help protect your family, home and property.

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Before a fire:Build an emergency kit:

• You may have to evacuate at a moment's notice. Depending on your location and the scope of the disaster, some supplies — such as food and water — may be readily available elsewhere. Be aware of your location and pack food, water and first aid supplies accordingly.
• Prescription medication, glasses, personal hygiene items and pet food can all be easily forgotten in the rush of the moment, but will be needed later.
• Cash and important documents should be kept in a reachable place.
• If possible, keep an extra phone charger in your kit, so you won't have to scramble when the time comes to evacuate.
• FEMA keeps a detailed list of recommended emergency kit supplies on the agency's website.

Prepare your home and be fire smart:

• Plant fie-resistant shrubs and trees, and regularly clean your roof and gutters to keep flammable material to a minimum.
• Teach each family member to use a fire extinguisher
• Test smoke detectors monthly and change the batteries once a year
• Replace worn or damaged appliance cords.
• Teach children that fire is a tool, not a toy.
• Never use the range or oven to heat your home.

Make a plan:

• Make sure children know when they should call 911. They should also know addresses, phone numbers, and other emergency contact information.
• Try to identify two ways to get out of every room. The doorway may be blocked by fire or smoke, making a safe window escape necessary. The Red Cross has further information on making a detailed emergency escape plan.
• Teach children not to hide from firefighters.
• Identify a meeting place in case family members are separated.
• Make sure windows and screens are not stuck and that every family member knows how to remove screens and safety bars.

During a fire:

Follow the instructions of authorities

• If you see a fire, call 911. Do not assume someone else has seen the fire and made the call.
• If you are advised to evacuate, do so immediately. Emergency officials are up to date on important information and immediate dangers of which you may not be aware.
• Text "Shelter" with your zip code to 43362 (4FEMA) for the nearest shelter location during a wildfire.
• If you have not been advised to evacuate, arrange temporary shelter with family or friends in case your situation changes.
• Place valuable papers and anything else of importance in your car, in case you have to evacuate on short notice.

Preparing for a disaster

Ready.gov

What to do before, during and after an emergency.

After a fire:- If you were forced to evacuate, do not re-enter your home until told to do so.

• If you detect heat or smoke upon entering your house, evacuate immediately.
• Remain diligent even after evacuation orders are lifted. Watch for sparks and smoke in your area.
• Contact your insurance company for detailed instructions on what to do if you need to file a claim.
• Make a detailed list of any damaged property.
• Save receipts for any money you spend related to damages. Insurance companies or even the IRS may require them later.

FEMA gives much of the same advice for other emergencies Utahns may see, such as flooding or earthquakes. Preparing your home for a variety of emergencies will require a few extra steps, but they say being smart before, during and after a disaster is about being informed and having a plan.

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