[RWebb]

Your local fire dept. (RFD) or the state has detailed info for you.

Two sets of things:
1. the house - use a fire resistant siding (oiled lumber is worst)
- metal roof best (cedar shakes are worst)
- clean patios, walks, roof of debris
- no plants next to house
- no firewood stored next to house

2. surroundings
- no overhanging branches
- yes, clean up that litter (pull it into piles and burn during the winter/fall or use branches for kindling in the fireplace/stove)
- remove brush
- remove any trees that could fall on the house - house should be in a forest clearing

#2 is a lot of work - I've helped friends several times - you can make it a party or can hire it out