BOISE — Wildfire season is here, and the American Red Cross is urging families in Idaho and East Oregon to take simple steps now to protect themselves and their loved ones.

“Wildfires move fast and can leave little time to get to safety,” said Scott O’Connell, regional disaster officer for the Red Cross of Idaho, Montana and East Oregon. “Make sure you have an evacuation plan and practice it with everyone in your household. Taking a few simple steps today can make all the difference tomorrow.”

Prepare now— Clear brush and flammable materials from around your home.

— Be ready to evacuate quickly. Know where you will go, how you will get there and where you will stay.

— Plan different escape routes from your home and community and practice these routes so everyone in your household is familiar with them.

— Park your car facing your evacuation route for a quick exit.

Build an emergency go-kit with essentials, including:— First-aid kit.

— Flashlight.

— Cellphone and chargers.

— Medications.

— Family contact information.

— Nonperishable food and water.

Keep pets in a designated area so they can be quickly gathered if you need to leave.

After a wildfire— Do not return home until officials say it’s safe.

— Check your roof and around your home for embers that could reignite.

— Watch for smoke or sparks and extinguish hot spots immediately.

— Stay away from downed power lines.

— Keep pets under close control to avoid hidden hazards.

— Wear sturdy shoes and gloves when cleaning up.

— Dampen debris to reduce dust.

— Discard any food exposed to heat, smoke or soot.

Follow instructions from local emergency officials. Download the free Red Cross Emergency app for real-time alerts, shelter locations and wildfire safety tips.

“If you’re told to evacuate, don’t wait,” O’Connell said.

Idaho and East Oregon Red Cross volunteers respond to hundreds of disasters each year, including wildfires. When natural disasters occur, Red Cross provides shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance to anyone who needs it, regardless of nationality, cultural background or citizen status. Red Cross services are free. To learn more, visit redcross.org/wildfire.

To learn more about volunteering with Red Cross, visit redcross.org/volunteer.