The LA County wildfires serve as a good reminder to Californians to be prepared in case of a major disaster forces you to leave your home.

Whether you've recently experienced an emergency of some kind or want to establish some peace of mind in case disaster strikes, a comprehensive disaster plan and a well-thought-out emergency preparedness kit can go a long way.

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.

Well before evacuation orders are declared, or even before an emergency happens, there are ways to prepare: Make copies, both physical and digital, of important documents like birth certificates, ID's,