Cool Tip – The Half-of-a-Tank Rule

May 20, 2012

Have you ever run out of gas in your vehicle?   Have you ever worried that you didn’t have enough to get to the next gas station, but somehow limped in on fumes?  Unfortunately, I have.  Neither situation is any fun; very stressful.

What would have happened if on that low/no gas day, we’d had a truly emergency need to get somewhere?  What if we jump into the car to drive a family member to an urgent care facility, only to find out that a stop at the gas station is needed first?  “I know it hurts, honey.  Just hold your arm still while I fill up the tank.”

Or what if we needed to quickly evacuate the area (maybe for a wildfire or rising water or a chemical spill or . . . ).  We’d want to get on the highway as soon as possible, not get in line at the gas station.

Some folks avoid such challenges by following the half-a-tank rule.  They don’t let their gasoline level drop below the half-full mark.  As it approaches the halfway point, they fill up.  Wise advice.  If that seems too stringent to you, maybe adhering to the quarter-tank-of-gas rule would work for you.  Same thing, except you don’t let your gas tank drop below the quarter tank level.

Until it becomes second nature, you can use visual clues, like a sticky on your dashboard that says simply “1/2” or “1/4.”  Or put a sticky arrow at the half or quarter tank mark on the gage.  Whatever works for you.  Just remember that one way to be more ready today is to ensure that you have sufficient fuel in  your vehicles for any urgent trips that you may need to take.

The Blues Brothers were glad that they had filled up:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YHa_jqxnn4o. But then, they  were on a mission from God.  What mission might you be on?

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STOP!

April 7, 2012

Pay attention to the emergency stop buttons and call-for-help options around you.  Once you become aware of them, you’ll start seeing them everywhere.  Everywhere there is moving equipment or moving fluids, there will be a way to stop it in a hurry.

Gas Stations.  Next time you fill your gas tank, look around for the big red, well-labeled emergency stop button.  If there were a fire or chance of a fire or a car hits a fuel pump or something else bad happens, anyone can hit the emergency stop button and the gas pumps will shut off.

Elevators.  While riding the elevator next time, take a look at the emergency phone or alarm button.  Read the instructions posted.  If you ride a particular set of elevators frequently, like at your apartment, place of work, take the time to get very familiar with it.  Maybe invite the landlord or building security or elevator supplier to come to an office safety meeting to explain just how it all works.  If you’re ever trapped in a stuck dark elevator, you’ll be glad you did.

Escalators.  At the top and bottom of the escalator, you’ll find a large red button.  Typically, there’s an alarmed transparent plastic guardplate over the button.  If someone falls on the elevator or gets caught in it, immediately lift the plastic guardplate and press the button.  Don’t try to free the the person while the elevator is moving.  That could lead to you and maybe others getting hurt, too.  Alarms will likely call building security or maintenance.  Once the situation has been resolved, restarting the elevator requires them turning a key.

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Posted by MoreReadyToday