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 five major fires causing devastation across parts of Los Angeles and Southern California have been a stark reminder of the need for a "go bag" and evacuation plan as many residents had just moments to flee.

There are several essential items people need to grab if they must leave their homes when a wildfire, flooding or other natural disaster strikes. Why it matters: Being prepared with an accessible go bag can reduce panic in the moment and could mean the difference between life or death,