The Oroville Dam crisis caught many unprepared; not only did the evacuation order surprise them, they were not prepared for what they had to face.

Here are some thoughts about what you need to do to avoid that and be prepared for one of those freak incidents that can turn your life upside down.

One of the major issues facing the evacuated was the fact traveling a mile took in some cases up to four hours – motorists ran out of fuel and there was none to be had.

Another was that emergency shelters quickly filled and many evacuees were forced to survive on their own – stores were closed, hotels were filled – some people even had to survive for a few nights in public parks.

If that happened to you, would you be prepared? Would you know what to do? Tell us your thoughts below.

Featured Image via Mercury News