A go bag doesn't necessarily have to be a backpack or sack, as the goal is simply to organize all of your most critical supplies in one area — that way you're able to evacuate quickly in the event of an emergency.

That means families today need to be more prepared than ever. Before diving into the full checklist, here are five essential items to get started: Even if you can only pull together a few of these items today,

The destructive fires in Los Angeles County have shone a spotlight on the West's vulnerability to natural disasters and the need for emergency preparedness as wildfire seasons become longer and more intense.

Emergency preparedness is one of those things that can be easy to put off for another day. But given the wildfires raging throughout Los Angeles County in California, the importance of being ready to go at a moment’s notice in the event of a natural disaster or similar catastrophic event has never been clearer.