THE TENNESSEE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY ASKS STATE RESIDENTS TO FOLLOW SOME TIPS TO REDUCE THE POTENTIAL RISK OF WILDFIRES TO HOMES AND COMMUNITIES.  TEMA TIPS INCLUDE: CLEAR LEAVES AND OTHER DEBRIS FROM GUTTERS, EAVES, PORCHES AND DECKS TO PREVENT FIRE EMBERS FROM IGNITING YOUR HOME.  REMOVE DEAD VEGETATION FROM UNDER YOUR DECK OR PORCH AND WITHIN TEN FEET OF THE HOUSE.  REMOVE FLAMMABLE MATERIALS, SUCH AS FIREWOOD STACKS AND PROPANE TANKS, WITHIN 30 FEET OF YOUR HOME'S FOUNDATION AND OUTBUILDINGS.  KEEP YOUR LAWN HYDRATED AND MAINTAINED AS DRY GRASS AND SHRUBS ARE FUEL FOR WILDFIRE.  COVER EXTERIOR ATTIC VENTS WITH METAL WIRE MESH TO PREVENT SPARKS FROM ENTERING THE HOME.  HOME WILDFIRE PREPARATIONS SHOULD ALSO INCLUDE PLANNING AN ESCAPE ROUTE, PUTTING TOGETHER A FAMILY EMERGENCY KIT, AND HAVING EMERGENCY PLANS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY, ESPECIALLY THOSE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS AND PETS.