Wildfires occur all year round, and 2010 presents heightened concerns after a winter of above-normal rainfall.

The Central Coast can expect the growth of a lot of brush and grasses, which, when the weather becomes drier, provides the potential for fires to move much more rapidly and carry a lot more heat into heavier fuels.

The American Red Cross Ventura County Chapter wants families to prepare for the possibility of fires happening anytime and anywhere by following these tips.

•Contact the local fire department, health department or forestry office for information on fire laws.

•Report hazardous conditions that could cause a wildfire.

•Teach children about fire safety and keep matches out of their reach. Post fire emergency telephone numbers.

•Ask to see a copy of children’s school emergency plan.

•Plan several escape routes by car and by foot away from home, office and school.

•Speak with the company HR director about fire safety plans in the workplace.

•Talk to the neighbors about wildfire safety. Plan how the neighborhood could work together after a wildfire.

Find out who has special needs or skills.

•Make plans to take care of children who may be on their own if parents can’t get home.

•Landscape the house with fire-resistant plants such as hardwood trees.

•Create a 30- to 100-foot safety zone around residential property.

•Keep items that can be used as fire tools: a rake, ax handsaw, bucket, shovel, and a ladder that will reach the roof.

•Have a garden hose that reaches any area of the house and mow grass regularly.

•With the family, prearrange several meeting places in case of separation during commotion.

•Plan for pet survival needs.

•Take first aid and CPR courses from the American Red Cross.

•When a wildfire threatens, listen on a battery-powered radio for evacuation information. If authorities advise an evacuation, do so immediately. Prepare pets for evacuation. Park cars pointed in direction of escape and leave keys in ignition. When evacuating, take a disaster kit.