KERN COUNTY, Calif. — The recent earthquakes that hit Kern County are a stark reminder that though we hope for the best, we should be prepared for the worst.

Kern County Fire Department Public Information Officer Andrew Freeborn, in a recent press conference, emphasized the need to be prepared and to have a disaster plan in place.

Fortunately, there are systems already in place to help you prepare for the worst and to be on top of the latest information.

The first is the Ready Kern Alert System. The local alert system is designed to get the latest information in a variety of situations.

"Kern County has implemented ReadyKern, a state-of-the-art emergency notification system alerts residents & businesses about natural disasters and other crises. The new emergency notification system enables Kern County to provide essential information quickly in a variety of situations, such as earthquakes, severe weather, fires, floods, or evacuation of buildings or neighborhoods."

You can register at the Kern County Fire Department website.

You can also download and sign up for the Smart 9-1-1 app. The app allows you to provide valuable information to first responders to assist them in getting you the help you need as quickly as possible in an emergency.

The Smart 9-1-1 app "provides additional information to 9-1-1 so they can help you faster in an emergency; stay informed of weather, traffic, and other emergencies in your community; alert emergency managers that you need special assistance when disaster strikes."

So be prepared for the next emergency.