Live Life On A Full Tank Of Gas – Be Happy And Prepared

By Major Van Harl USAF Ret

Fuel Ammo Guns Full
Live Life On A Full Tank Of Gas – Be Happy And Prepared
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Wisconsin –-(Ammoland.com)-  The daughter and I were out driving in my pickup truck when I noticed that the truck was low on fuel. It is a diesel vehicle so you have to know where the gas stations are that sell diesel. This means going for fuel is a destination trip, not just getting fuel on the fly like the gas burner people do it.

First I told my daughter I was going to stop for fuel and then I decided not to. She immediately started in on me about not being prepared. She advised me driving around with half a tank of fuel was not safe.

“What if there was an emergency and we needed to drive out of town in a hurry and the gas stations were closed because the power was off” she asked me.

She gets this stuff from me, so I guess I should be happy she thinks that way. I drove past a station that sold diesel and was headed home when she stated “Dad, live life on a full tank of gas.”

So I turned around and went back to fueled up. For me there is a small feeling of security having a full tank in my truck. It is that old Eagle Scout thing that always wants me to “be prepared.” Prior to the fuel up we had been shopping. Now that is a red letter day when I go shopping with my daughter.

In the old days I was taught to open the vehicle door for ladies and help them in. I don’t do that anymore. I am not trying to be unchivalrous, but have come to realize that as my back is turned to the world helping a female into a vehicle, we were both exposed to the potential misdeeds of the bad guys. Now I let my wife and daughter get themselves into a vehicle as I scan the parking lot looking for problems.

Never walk up to your vehicle without looking around and most importantly looking behind you. Remember that young woman in the Target store who was abducted in the parking lot and later found dead. I don’t know, but I would suspect that her assailant come up from behind.

You are actually more vulnerable in the daylight hours than at night. Most people are worried about something bad happening in a parking lot at night, but sadly give little thought to their safety in the broad daylight.

“It is a busy place with lots of people, nothing was supposed to happen” is the story I have personally hear as a cop when evil was inflicted on a child after the parents dropped her off at the mall to “hang” with friends for the day.

One of the false senses of security is the video monitoring cameras that are everywhere in the business world. People look up and see the cameras and believe that they are being monitored at all times by security personnel. If something happens of course, with our 911 call for help mentality, it is falsely believed that help is instantly on the way. There were lots of cameras at the Target store but the young woman is still dead.

In the Air Force we always talk about “check 6.” If you are looking straight ahead that would be looking at the 12 o’clock position. So checking the 6 o’clock position would be looking to your rear, looking to see if the enemy is sneaking up on your back. Checking your “6” wherever you go is always a good idea. As you are walking to a vehicle or anyplace, stop and completely turn around and slowly sweep the area with your eyes. Try it in a parking and watch to see it people look at you. If a “bad guy” is casing you they get the message you are paying attention.

One evening I took my daughter to meet a large group of friends. She got out of the truck with a jacket and umbrella. I overheard one of her friends comment, “you are always prepared.” As an old Scout that was music to my ears.

Winter is coming and it is time to prepare. Make sure you have the correct emergency gear in your vehicle. Always have a jacket, gloves and a sleeping bag in the trunk. Food, flashlights, candles and water make life less miserable (not comfortable) if you slide into a ditch in the middle of the night and help does not arrive until the sun comes up (if in fact it even comes then). If you are over 18 put a firearm in the trunk and always have a good pocket knife on you in the winter (no, make that all the time). Space blankets are cheap, put a half dozen in your vehicle.

Life is hard and scary when you are stranded on your own, on some back road. Mentally be the Scout and “be prepared .” Always check “6”, and live life on a full tank of gas. Throw in a fresh box of ammo also.

Major Van Harl USAF Ret.
[email protected]

About Major Van Harl USAF Ret.:Major Van E. Harl USAF Ret., a career Police Officer in the U.S. Air Force was born in Burlington, Iowa, USA, in 1955. He was the Deputy Chief of police at two Air Force Bases and the Commander of Law Enforcement Operations at another. He is a graduate of the U.S. Army Infantry School.  A retired Colorado Ranger and currently is an Auxiliary Police Officer with the Cudahy PD in Milwaukee County, WI.  His efforts now are directed at church campus safely and security training.  He believes “evil hates organization.”  [email protected]

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james

Thanks Major, good info.

I also use the car windows to ‘see’ what is behind me as I approach the car and before I unlock the door.

Too many people looking for ‘help’ at gas stations these days, ‘I don’t want your money, can you help me get some gas’?

They always have some sort of story, wife kicked him out after 36 years, visiting friend in hospital, driving a town car!, etc etc.

Like Jason Bourne, keep alert at all times,
know where the exits are in building, hotels and theaters.

BillCa

Being prepared doesn’t mean lots of gadgets & goodies. It just takes some thought. If you’ll be within walking distance of home, preps can be small and light. For longer trips, carry those things you may need for a breakdown or for a night alongside the road. Simple things like a tank of gas, upkeep of radiator hoses & fan belts, inflated & aligned tires keep you going daily and pay off well in emergencies. For everyday travel, things to keep in a small trunk bag include: Comfy walking shoes & socks, a ballcap, medium jacket, rain poncho(!), gloves, water,… Read more »

TXGnr1911

@Hopalong…A quick question for you. How many firearms do you own that “just sit there”? Extra fuel is like an extra firearm or any other item one might own. You may not need “it”, until you need “it” and then you REALLY need “it”. Also, I’d be willing to bet that your extra or even single firearm that just sits there cost a bit more than $180.00.

Hopalong

To Mark. 60 gallons of extra fuel is great. But at $3.00 a gallon thats $180.oo. Where are most people going to get $180.00 to just sit there.

Doc McClure

Good advice Van….

Mark

In the event of owning a truck, it’s nice to have a Titan in-bed gas tank/tool box combo. Holds an extra 60 gallons.