1 in 6 Americans live in areas of high wildfire risk. It's not a question of if you will experience a wildfire. It is a question of when. To prepare for a wildfire, you can: (a) learn about alternative evacuation routes in case the usual routes are compromised; (b) fireproof your home; (c) develop an emergency plan.

After any disaster, experts say emotional connection is key to long-term mental health. California HOPE is a mental health program in Sonoma County, California providing just that.

Wildfires in California are burning bigger and hotter every year and are expected to get worse as climate change intensifies. No one can predict when a wildfire will strike but there are things individuals and communities can do to prepare for the next big one. Here’s what the experts say: