“Every citizen should understand what the specific risks might be to their individual communities,” said Dr. Irwin Redlener, director of the National Center for Disaster Preparedness at Columbia University.

One of the most basic precautions is to make sure you can move when you need to. If your gas gauge is in the red, you won’t be going far. Try to make sure your vehicle has at least half a tank of fuel at all times. And, familiarize yourself with the evacuation routes around your community. They’re typically available on state emergency services websites, like this one for Florida.

Next, make sure you can quickly grab the things you’ll need, like important documents and medication. Crucial papers include identification, insurance information and the deed to your home. If you take medication, maintain your supply.

“Studies have shown that when you have a wildfire you definitely get an increase in asthma, pneumonia, COPD exacerbations, acute bronchitis,” said Dr. Mary Prunicki, the director of air pollution and health research at Stanford University’s center for allergy and asthma research. That makes it especially important to keep enough medication on hand if you have a condition like asthma.

It’s also a good idea to have basic emergency supplies in your car if you live in a danger zone. They should include water, nonperishable food and a flashlight. The American Red Cross has more detailed guidelines on its website. The Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends stocking your kit with enough food and water for three days.

If you have pets, you’ll need food and water for them, too.

There are also home maintenance precautions you can take, depending on the risks in your area. If you live in a wildfire zone, clear the area within 30 feet of your house of brush and debris that could ignite and accelerate a fire. If you’re in a hurricane zone, now is a good time to unclog your rain gutters.

No matter where you live, for homes that have gas, you should know where the valves are and how to shut them off.