HONOLULU (KHON2) -- After the Maui fires from 2023, Hawaiʻi residents are understanding more the need to ensure they are "Firewise". But what is being Firewise? Being firewise means you are taking steps to protect your home, your family and your community from wildfires. Wildfires can hap pen quickly; so, it's important to be prepared and make your surroundings safer. Firewise practices can help reduce the chances of a wildfire destroying your property and can help ensure people are prepared to act if one happens. Why it’s important to be Firewise Wildfires are a serious danger, and this is especially true in areas with lots of dry grass, trees, piled leaves and strong winds. The fires that begin in these types of areas can spread quickly and can destroy homes, even putting lives at risk. However, there are some things you can do to make your home and your family safer that will reduce the chances of a wildfire causing his kind of serious damage. The Hawaiʻi Firewise program teaches residents how to prepare for wildfires before they happen. By making small but important changes to your home and yard, you can lower the risk of fire spreading to your property. Top 10 things to know and do The key to spreading this safety is creating a safer space around your home by removing things that burn easily. 1. Clear dry plants and debris One of the greatest wildfire risks comes from dry plants, leaves, and other debris that are not properly maintained. These materials can easily catch fire and contribute to the rapid spread of flames. Be sure to clear dry grass, leaves, twigs and rubbish from your yard, roof and gutters. Keep your lawn well-watered and trimmed to prevent it from drying out and becoming a potential fire hazard. 2. Use fire-resistant materials Certain building materials are more susceptible to catching fire than others. If you are constructing or remodeling your home, consider using fire-resistant materials such as metal roofs, brick or stucco walls and tempered glass windows. These materials significantly reduce the risk of fire spreading to your home and help to protect your property and improve overall safety. By choosing these durable, non-combustible options, you can enhance the fire resistance of your structure and increase its chances of withstanding wildfires. 3. Create a safety zone around your home A key aspect of being Firewise is establishing a “defensible space” around your home. This involves clearing at least 30 feet of area where fire risks are minimized. Remove bushes and trees near the house and maintain short grass. This defensible space helps slow the spread of fire and provides firefighters with a better opportunity to safeguard your home. 4. Trim trees and bushes Get Hawaii's latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You Fires can spread rapidly through trees and bushes, particularly when they are in close proximity to one another. Trim tree branches to ensure they don't touch each other or hang over your roof since this can create a direct path for flames. Keep bushes well-maintained, small and spaced out to prevent fire from easily jumping from one plant to another. By carefully managing the vegetation around your home, you reduce the likelihood of a fire spreading and improve your home's overall protection from wildfires. 5. Clean your gutters and roof regularly Leaves and pine needles in your gutters and on your roof are highly flammable and can catch fire from airborne embers. Regularly clean them out to reduce the risk of a fire starting. Even small sparks from a nearby wildfire can land on your roof and ignite the dry debris. This, obviously, increases the chances of a fire spreading to your home. 6. Store firewood and propane safely Woodpiles, propane tanks and other flammable materials should be stored at least 30 feet away from your home. When you keep these things too close to your home, it increases the risk of fire spreading to your house more quickly. 7. Make an emergency plan Every family needs to have a wildfire emergency plan in place. Be prepared to leave your home swiftly if a fire is nearing. Identify escape routes and establish a safe meeting spot. Regularly practice the plan with your family to ensure everyone knows how to respond during an emergency. 8. Make sure your home address is visible If firefighters are unable to see your house number, then they may struggle to locate you during an emergency. So, it is important to ensure your address is clearly displayed with large, easy-to-read numbers and letters. 9. Use spark arresters on chimneys and grills If you have a fireplace or grill, use a spark arrester. This is a metal screen that prevents sparks and embers from flying out and starting fires. 10. Work with your neighbors to stay safe Wildfire prevention is most effective when the entire community participates. Discuss safety measures with your neighbors to help protect their homes as well. A Firewise neighborhood is one where everyone takes action to safeguard their property so as to make it more difficult for fires to spread. Why Firewise steps matter Wildfires can happen suddenly, and firefighters can’t always save every home. That’s why it’s so very important to prepare ahead of time. By making your home and yard safer, you give yourself and your family a better chance to escape safely. Even small actions, like trimming trees and cleaning your gutters, can make a big difference. A little effort now can help protect your home from disaster later. No one can predict when a wildfire will happen, but you can take steps to be ready. Use these Firewise tips to keep your home and family safe. You can click here to learn more. Taking action now means you’ll be better prepared if a wildfire ever threatens your home. Stay aware, stay safe and help your community become Firewise! ...read more read less