How to Make your Car the Perfect Getaway...
Transcript of How to Make your Car the Perfect Getaway...
How to Make your Car the Perfect Getaway Vehicle
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How to Make your Car the Perfect Getaway Vehicle
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Contents Home Invasion ...................................................................................................................................... 3
Your Car, the Perfect Getaway ........................................................................................................... 5
What to Store in Your Car ............................................................................................................... 6
How to Live with Just Your Car for Transportation and Storage Place? .................................... 15
Organization and comfort .............................................................................................................. 16
Safe Places Where You Can Park Overnight ............................................................................. 17
Ways to Keep Yourself Clean ....................................................................................................... 19
Long-Term Foods ........................................................................................................................... 20
How to Proof Your Car against Burglars ......................................................................................... 21
How and Where to Store Fuel .......................................................................................................... 24
What Spare Parts to Store and Where to Store Them .................................................................. 28
The Last Advices ................................................................................................................................ 34
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Home Invasion
In the United States, a home invasion is an illegal and usually forceful entry to
an occupied, private dwelling with intent to commit a violent crime against the
occupants, such as robbery, assault, rape, murder, or kidnapping.
In some jurisdictions, there is a defined crime of home invasion; in others,
there is no crime defined as home invasion, but events that accompany the invasion
are charged as crimes. Where home invasion is defined, the definition and
punishments vary by jurisdiction.
It is not a legally defined federal offense throughout the United States, but is in
several states, such as Michigan, Connecticut, Illinois, Florida, Louisiana, and in Las
Vegas, Nevada.
Home invasion laws also have been introduced in the South Carolina General
Assembly and in the State of Maryland.
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On March 15, 2011, a bill making home invasion deaths a capital crime in New
Hampshire passed the New Hampshire House without debate. Home invasion as
such is not defined as a crime in most countries other than the US.
Home invasion differs from burglary in that its criminals have a violent intent
apart from the unlawful entry itself, specific or general, much the same way as
aggravated robbery—personally taking from someone by force—is differentiated
from mere larceny (theft alone). "Home invasion" is evolving to identify a particular
class of crime that involves multiple authors (two or more); forced entry into a home;
occupants who are home at the time of the invasion; use of weapons and physical
intimidation; property theft; and victims who are unknown, but sometimes known, to
the aggressors.
Few statistics are available on the crime of home invasion as such, because it
is not defined as a crime in its own right in most jurisdictions. Statistics about home
invasion found on the Internet are often false or misleading.
Persons arrested for what the police or media may refer to as "home invasion"
are charged with crimes such as robbery, kidnapping, homicide, rape, or assault.
Many U.S. states (particularly those that endorse the Castle Doctrine) include
defending oneself against forcible entry of one's home as part of their definition of
justifiable homicide without any obligation to retreat.
So, let’s say your home has been invaded or devastated by looters and it is no
longer safe to live there. Where do you go then? The perfect place is your car.
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Your Car, the Perfect Getaway
Everyone needs a car. It is a very well-known fact. If you want to have the
ability to run fast and in good conditions, not depending on anyone else, the personal
car is the right solution for you.
A car that contains everything you need to survive when your home has been
invaded is the best thing you can do.
Before any attack happens take care at the followings:
Firstly, your car must be roadworthy.
Then, make sure that your vehicle doesn’t have any leaks.
Finally, don’t forget to consider the climatic conditions. If you’re moving to,
say, Alaska, it would be wise to put anti-freeze into your car before shipping.
Plus, check your heating or air-conditioning systems.
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What to Store in Your Car
Home invasions can happen to people when they least expect it. Thus, the
best advice to give is to always be prepared for the inevitable to make its effects less
severe and more manageable.
You should have in your car an emergency kit that should contain the following:
Water: around 3.5 liters of water/ person/ day;
You should store at least one gallon of water per person per day, for a
minimum of three days.
A normally active person needs, at least, one-half gallon of water daily just for
drinking. Other needs include washing, cooking and sanitation. Children, nursing
mothers, and those who are ill need more water. High temperatures can double the
amount of water needed.
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To be prepared with the safest emergency supply, it is recommended that you
purchase commercially bottled water. Keep bottled water in its original container and
don’t open it until you need it. Store the containers in a cool, dark place, and rotate
them every six months.
Food: make supplies of nonperishable food that you usually eat;
Include a three-day supply of non-perishable food per person, avoiding items
that will make you thirsty. Choose salt-free crackers, whole grain cereals, and canned
foods with high liquid content. Stock canned foods, dry mixes, and other staples that
don’t require refrigeration, cooking, water, or special preparation.
Here are the best examples:
Prepared canned food: boiled beans, peas, fish, meat, fruits, vegetables,
cereals, candy.
Pasteurized milk, juices, coffee, tea (bottled)
Sugar, salt, pepper, instant coffee.
Do not forget the forks, knives, spoons
Individuals with special diets and allergies will need particular attention, as will
babies, toddlers and elderly people. Nursing mothers may need liquid formula, in
case they are unable to nurse. Canned dietetic foods, juices and soups may be
helpful for ill or elderly people.
Drugs: the ones that come with a recipe but also those that are given without
prescription;
Being prepared for this kind of attack is a necessity. It means, at least, having
a first aid kit in your vehicle. You never know when a home invasion will strike so it is
best to always be prepared.
A family that will run from a home invasion using the family car should carry
with them a first aid kit. The first aid kit for them should be light and easy to carry. It
would be an advantage if the first aid kit has compartmentalized pockets and the
latter has the names of the items inside the pockets.
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What should you include in your first aid kit? The basic medical supplies for
minor medical emergencies are cotton, hydrogen peroxide, alcohol and bandages.
For general requirements, you need an insect repellant, Aloe Vera cream or gel for
sunburns, pain relievers, necessary medicines for head and stomach aches, diarrhea
or irregular bowel movements and your doctor’s number. You must have safety pins,
bandages, sterile gauze pads, scissors, needle, tweezers, medicine dropper, aspirin,
non-prescription drugs, thermometer, and moistened towelettes, among others. To
store these supplies properly, you need to buy a plastic storage container. This
container will be the safety box of your emergency supplies, so make sure that it is
durable and easy to move around.
If you do not want to assemble your own first aid kit, you can always purchase
it through a variety of medical supply shops. There are quite a number of them on
the Internet that offer already-made first aid kits at different prices depending on the
size and what you want included in the package. There are pharmacies and other
establishments selling already-made first aid kits. Nevertheless, when buying already-
made emergency supplies, you have to carefully examine its content. There are
some that contain a few bandages and tablets only. This will surely not treat any
injury so don’t be fooled by the quantity. Look for the components that you can use
in real life emergencies, not what you can buy for a few dollars less. Look also for a
kit that is nicely organized. This will enable you to locate supplies readily.
However, preparing your own first aid kit can be better because you know
what the possibilities in your horizon are in terms of accidents. Another reason why it
is better to have your own first aid kit is because when there is an emergency, you
know what’s in your kit and you can easily get that item for whoever needs it.
A first aid kid doesn’t be expensive as long as it contains the basic medicine
and medical supplies that are commonly used for minor injuries requiring first aid.
You can choose to buy the items all at one time, or you can acquire them in batches.
Later on, you will be able to build a suitable first aid kit.
On top of this, buy first aid kits that have guides in it. A kit that does not have
one is useless because you don’t even know what to do with it. Also, make sure that
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the kit is from a credible source, and that is packaged in a way that it can be easily
used when under stress.
Always keep your first aid kits clean and the medicines updated. It would be
better if you could make an outline or a list of the contents of your first aid kit so that
you will be able to know at a glance what you have inside. Also, take note of the
expiration dates of the medicines you have in your first aid kits to avoid giving
expired drugs to persons who are already medically in danger.
When preparing your first aid kit, always consider the needs of family
members, particularly those who have special medical needs or who have allergies
to specific medicines.
Tools and other useful items:
Cutting and edge tools, such as the utility knife, and multiple tools in one.
Hammer, screwdriver, pliers, a glove, a wrench.
Lighters and fresh batteries in the kit. A flashlight can help in detecting foreign
bodies in the wound, eyes and mouth and in determining the severity of the
injury. Just be sure to check on the batteries every few months.
The ruler, glasses, clock, phone, candles, nails, matches, rope, tape, pen,
marker, notebook, whistle.
Laptops, tablets, battery powered radio.
Simple machine tools, including the wheel, pulley, inclined plane, wedge and
screw.
Personal protective equipment includes items such as gloves, safety glasses,
ear defenders and biohazard suits.
Items for care and hygiene
Hygiene and personal care are the two utmost essential things to focus on for
a healthy lifestyle. Being clean means that you look over your stuff and check if they
are dust and dirt free from time to time.
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To be successful in personal care, you need to make a list of what you’ll need:
Toilet paper, wet wipes, liquid soap
Soap, shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrush, towels
Plastic bags
So, you need to take care of your:
Hair
Keep your hair at a length and style which you can properly maintain in a
cleanly manner at all times. Wash your crowning glory at least twice per week, using
a mild shampoo devoid of borax or alkalis.
Skin
A good bath once or twice per day is essential for cleanliness and good
grooming. Mild soaps are best, and you don’t need to use a germicidal or antiseptic
soap unless you have a medical or ‚smelliness‛ problem. You must also pay special
attention to your genitals and anal area, as the lack of care paid to these can lead to
serious infections–as well as an inadequate sex life. Rinse yourself thoroughly after
washing, and be sure to use a dry and clean towel to properly dry yourself. Try not to
share bathing equipment, and wash all of your equipment after each bath. Put a
teaspoonful of bleach in one gallon of warm water and cleanse your bathing
equipment in it. And always change into completely clean underwear after each bath.
Teeth
Brush your teeth two to three times every day, or after meals or snacks as
needed. It’s important especially to brush right before bedtime. Pay attention to
getting rid of the food particles stuck between your teeth. Flossing is highly
recommended over toothpicks for this. You only need about a pea sized dab of
toothpaste on your toothbrush. When brushing, brush down on the upper teeth and
brush up on the lower teeth, using a circular motion. Also, brush the inner as well as
the outer surface of your teeth, and before you brush each time, carefully brush your
tongue. Your toothbrush should never be shared with anyone. It should have resilient
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bristles, and it should be well rinsed and left somewhere completely sanitary to dry
after each usage.
Hands
You should always be washing your hands. There’s no such thing as too often.
Use a good hand cream if they become dry. Pay attention to your fingernails when
you clean your hands. Use soap every time, and always wash before and after meals
and after you go to the bathroom. Many infections such as E. coli are caused every
day by people who don’t cleanse their hands after going to the bathroom. You should
also keep purifying your hands while preparing meals.
Nails
Your fingernails completely replace themselves every five to six months. You
need to keep them well trimmed, and preferably buffed and polished too. Clip your
nails to the length you want them, but don’t ever trim too close to the skin. If your
nails chip easily, consider adding more protein to your diet, as finger and toenails are
all made of protein.
Feet
Always keep your toenails clipped, shaping the nails but not cutting too close
to the skin. Try wearing a clean pair of cotton socks every day; this will pamper your
feet and keep them dry and not smelly. Try not to wear the same pair of shoes every
day. Moreover, make sure that you wear comfortable shoes. Comfort and safety
should come before stylishness.
Underarms
Your underarms don’t emit an odor until you hit your preteens. That’s when
your apocrine glands, which are located under your arms and around your genitals,
begin to function, producing a milky, oily type of perspiration. Bacteria then thrive in
this sweat, causing the familiar underarm odor.
To control strong odor, you can wash daily with an antibacterial soap. You
should always wear clean clothes that are free of staining and sweat. Use a
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deodorant that is also an antiperspirant, which will dry up moisture in the armpits. Cut
back on your caffeine intake.
Clothing and blankets
You must have prepared many exchange shoes and clothing for each family
member. Make sure that you include: sweater, shirt long sleeve, short sleeve shirt,
resistant pants, cap or hat, rain clothes, shoes or waterproof boots, gloves.
A sleeping bag or two warm blankets are required for each person.
Important documents:
Wills, insurance policies, contracts, actions
Passport, identity papers, copies of driving license.
Cash, coins
Acts of bank accounts
Important phone numbers
Birth, marriage certificates, etc.
These documents must be stored in plastic bags that are tightly closed.
Also, you can make the decision to protect your family via firearms. This is a
decision that may not be viable for all. Believing that brandishing a weapon toward an
intruder will be all that is needed to safeguard your family, could be a fatal error!
Protecting with a firearm requires a mindset of being able to use that firearm, to pull
the trigger if the situation requires it, and continue to do so until the threat has been
dealt with. This may sound harsh, but seasoned criminals will often be able to tell if
home owner is using his weapon for show or is actually serious about using it.
There have been many instances where a home owner did not have the mind
set to actually use his/her weapon, only to have it snatched by the intruder and get
injured or killed by their own gun.
If a robber threatens you or your loved ones and you can’t run away, you
should not hesitate to shoot him/her until the threat has been dealt with. After that,
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you should evaluate the situation and if the threat persists and a member of your
family has not called 911 by that time, a call should be made for police help and
medical services for the intruder.
Before using a gun, I recommend you to receive training in the use of
firearms. Having firearms in the home and car also requires extensive precautions in
terms of safety. All your weapons should be kept in either a gun safe or in handgun
safe boxes, out of reach from little fingers as well as out of sight. Only at night time
you should have close to you handguns/shotgun and a charged cell phone.
Protection of one’s family is a very important decision which should involve all
adults in the home/ car. Firearms are not the answer for everyone. Many people feel
that they will never become victims in their own home and that if need arises; their
local police agency will be there to protect them.
Your reality should not follow that line of thinking, therefore you will be
prepared if problems arise. I hope and pray that the day for the use of guns never
materializes.
These are the weapons that you would use and are proficient if trouble comes
knocking on your car door:
HK USP45 = full size pistol in .45acp
Glock 23 = compact .40SW (wife’s)
Mossberg 500 Defender model = 12gauge loaded with #4 buckshot
Ruger Mini 30 = 7.62×39 (20rds mags) in unlikely case where shots would be
needed past 30/40 yards.
Family protection should be a subject discussed at home among adults, and a
plan should be decided upon if trouble finds you. Moreover, if it involves firearms
make sure that SAFETY is your first objective and followed with proficiency
regardless of the weapon you choose. Do not get weapons that are too much for you,
as it is much better to be able to hit your target with a smaller caliber than to just
miss and make loud noises.
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Don’t use your gun for any silly conflicts; use it only in case of real emergency.
In the next phrases I will reveal to you some key facts related to how to live in
your car.
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How to Live with Just Your Car for Transportation and
Storage Place?
When your home is invaded and you lose the roof over your head, your car
can provide more than just a ride to work.
A reliable vehicle can become an efficient refuge and soon will be a closet,
bedroom, and pantry, all rolling on four wheels.
Even if you’re stocked in your car, you may want to continue to work, attend
school, or be close to family or your home. A car provides a more stable structure
than a tent: lockable and usually weather-proof.
Car living can be accomplished in almost any vehicle. Let me give you some
tips of what you will need:
A reflective sun shade for the windshield and reflective shields for door
windows
Tinted glass
A curtain for privacy
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Earplugs and an eyeshade to improve your sleep
Warm sleeping gear and wool caps. They take the place of the car heater at
night
Organization and comfort
First, choose your sleeping position
Keeping your vehicle tidy and your stuff neatly stowed away
Small plastic totes may be your best friend in the quest for car organization.
Labels are also essential (use a permanent marker): Clean clothes, Dirty
clothes, Non-perishable food
Medicine cabinet should contain: first aid kit, laundry soap, all-purpose
biodegradable soap, and toiletries, including baby wipes, which can substitute
for a shower in a pinch.
Cooking and eating gear. Include in this category: one small stainless cooking
pot, one dish, fork, a spoon and cup per person, slotted spoon, dish towels,
dish soap, bucket with tight-fitting lid.
Papers and books
Gadgets and chargers (extra cell phone battery and car charger, flashlight
with extra batteries, solar lamp, tablet or laptop, etc.)
Each object must serve an essential purpose
Otherwise, it’s not worth its space. So I made a list for you:
Communication is a key: car charger, extra battery for your cell phone, your
laptop or tablet
A roll-up sleeping mat will smooth out the bumps or the surface
A warm sleeping bag or bedding is especially crucial
Packable, permanent-press clothing that can be layered. Make sure that it is
both comfortable and appropriate for a variety of situations.
A solar charger increases your independence.
A portable water filter
The sun bell solar lamp and phone charger
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A flashlight or headlamp
Earplugs
Always have your car registration and insurance at hand
Safe Places Where You Can Park Overnight
There are some free places to spend the night:
Camping spots with low or no fees
Highway rest areas and truck stops
Walmart parking lots
Public boat launch areas
Bus and train station parking lots
Local police can give you advice about a safe and legal local spot (local parks
and rest stops).
Other things to have in mind:
In these cases, I recommend that you avoid noise and excess lights, rotate
your spots so that nearby residents don’t start noticing you and making
complaints.
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Avoid being the only car parked on a suburban block, where security and
suspicion are likely to be high. In residential city neighborhoods, there are
usually lots of streets where driveway-less locals commonly use street parking
and you can easily squeeze your unassuming car in between two others.
Consider asking a local business if they would consider allowing you to park
regularly overnight, pointing out that you would be there to report suspicious
activity.
If you are a member of a local church or other community organization, ask
there.
If you don’t trust the amiability of strangers, you can check out an online
network of friendly adventure travelers. You may be able to find a contact in
your area that can offer a driveway to park in, or even a shower in exchange
for nothing but a little pleasant conversation.
Other information on how you handle this situation are:
Doors should be locked at all times while you are within the vehicle.
If all view into the car is blocked, you may choose to leave your keys in the
ignition while you sleep, so you can quickly drive away if any uncomfortable
situation arises.
Keep your keys and your cell phone close to you.
Never leave your car idling without windows open: fumes can build up inside
to dangerous levels.
Save your gas for necessary transportation only, and try to find other options
for warmth and electricity.
If you are part of a large-scale evacuation, get in touch with neighbors and
friends to find out if any of them is sleeping in their cars as well. If so, there is safety
in numbers.
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Ways to Keep Yourself Clean
Where do you access toilets, running water, and showering facilities? Let me
tell you some options depending on the possibilities.
Luxurious solution
Choose to maintain a gym membership for the daily showering benefits. Try to
choose one that includes towel service: drying wet towels in the car can
create moisture and mildew problems.
Stop at a hostel or truck stop once a week where you can pay for a shower —
or pay a single entry fee to a swimming pool or where you may even get a
sauna or hot tub thrown in.
Weekly Laundromat trips may be unavoidable. Though for greater self-
sufficiency you can try out a ‚washing machine‛ which cleanses your
garments electricity-free in under 3 minutes.
On a tighter budget
Fast food places, gas stations, and public parks all often have public toilets
and running water available. Check around to determine which are clean and
feel safe, and incorporate those into your daily route.
You can use wilderness practices for burying human waste, but this can only
be done 200 feet from any road, path, dwelling, or water source: a last-resort
unless you are truly in the wilderness.
Find an isolated forest camping spot; a solar shower is wonderful, but it’s
tricky to find sufficient privacy in an urban setting.
Learn to wash clothes in a bucket which you can accomplish in a gas station
rest room or the privacy of your vehicle.
Sequester food and dirty clothes away from the general airspace of your
vehicle to minimize odors.
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When you don’t have the comfort of your kitchen, it’s tempting to rely on fast
food and restaurants. Your health can begin to suffer from too much restaurant food
and that will get expensive.
Long-Term Foods
You’ll need to focus on nonperishables as much as possible.
Buy sturdy fruits and vegetables (citrus, apples, carrots, cucumbers and
celery store reasonably well; lettuce and strawberries need to be eaten right
away), nut butters and crackers; dry cereal, canned soups and beans.
Cheese, bread, eggs, butter, and long-life tetra packs of milk or non-dairy
‚milks‛ can last well in your cooler.
Try to do all food preparation and cleanup outside of the car as well, such as
at a public park, where picnicking is encouraged.
Now that I made clear this situation, let me tell you some things about keeping your
car safe.
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How to Proof Your Car against Burglars
You need to do that because it will become your most prized possession. So,
how to prevent your car being stolen?
There is one vehicle stolen for every 27 seconds in a country like the U.S.
That’s one scary fact for all of us who own a car. Avoidance is better than healing;
this should be your ‘mantra’ if you don’t want to be the next casualty of a car theft
network that is active all over the world.
If motor vehicle departments of many countries are to be believed, over
millions of cars are going to be stolen this year. But you are not going to be one of
those unfortunate car owners if you keep in mind the following tips.
Never forget these words: lock and key. Over fifty percent of the car thefts
occur due to driver’s forgetfulness; either he leaves the car running, or he forgets the
key in the ignition or sometimes forgets to lock the garage door or the door of the car
itself.
Make sure that you roll up your windows, take the key and lock the door
before leaving the car unattended.
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Another useful tip is to park safely. Attended car parks are safer than the
abandoned ones. Make sure that the car park is well lit. The wheels should be turned
toward the side in driveways in the parking position so that it can’t be easily towed
away. If you are leaving the car for an extended period, disable it by removing the
electronic ignition fuse, coil wire, rotor distributor.
Also remember, not to make it easy for the thief. Don’t leave the registration
documents inside the car. If you do this, it will make life easier for the thief who will
use these documents to sell your car. Preserve the title in a safe place at home.
Our car is our second biggest investment after our home, so please do not be
afraid to spend money on antitheft devices.
To top your antitheft measures, invest in a range of antitheft devices for
ultimate protection. The common antitheft devices include; fuel-kill switches, ignition-
kill switches, car alarms, steering wheel locks and immobilizers.
Other car security systems provide you with an anti-theft solution, but if your
car is stolen in spite of that, then the tracking device takes center stage and helps the
police track and recover your car. Thus, it provides the ultimate part of your anti-theft
measures.
Just like your monetary obligation doesn’t end with buying the mobile handset,
in the same way buying the tracking product is only the first step. You have to pay a
monthly service fee to keep the tracking service. GPS tracking system is a more
costly investment but offers more safety. With a GPS (Global Positioning System) car
tracking system, a car can be tracked on a computer map at a central monitoring
station.
Some of the systems come with the feature of verbal communication with the
operator at the central station. This feature comes to great help particularly in the
instances of carjacking.
The higher car tracking services act on a proactive basis: if the operators find
the vehicle running at an odd hour through a strange place, they will contact the
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owner by phone to confirm that the owner of the vehicle is aware of its whereabouts.
Otherwise, the police are informed immediately.
With a rather high product price and monthly rental service charges, car
trackers are no doubt expensive. But remember, they are among the most efficient
security systems available today. So don’t compromise security for money. After all,
your insurer may offer up to 10% off the premium if they know your vehicle has a
tracking device.
Make sure that all the devices are installed properly; otherwise, it may affect
the car’s electrical system. It will be prudent to seek the help of a professional in this
case.
Never leave valuables in plain view, even if your car is locked. Also, check with
vehicle theft tracking/security system to know whether your model belongs to the
frequently stolen car model list. Get the VIN number etched on the windows.
Lastly, don’t get upset if the worst happens despite all your precautions:
Inform the police as fast as possible including the location and time of the robbery.
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How and Where to Store Fuel
A fuel tank (or petrol tank) is a safe container for flammable fluids. Though any
storage tank for fuel may be so called, the term is typically applied to part of an
engine system in which the fuel is stored and propelled (fuel pump) or released
(pressurized gas) into an engine. Fuel tanks range in size and complexity from the
small plastic tank of a butane lighter to the multi-chambered cryogenic Space Shuttle
external tank.
Typically, a fuel tank must allow or provide the following:
Storage of fuel: the system must contain a given quantity of fuel and must
avoid leakage and limit evaporative emissions.
Filling: the fuel tank must be filled in a secure way, without sparks.
Provide a method for determining the level of fuel in a tank, gauging (the
remaining quantity of fuel in the reservoir must be measured or evaluated).
Venting (if over-pressure is not allowed, the fuel vapors must be managed
through valves).
Feeding of the engine (through a pump).
Anticipate potentials for damage and provide safe survival potential.
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Plastic as a fuel tank material of construction, while functionally viable in the
short term, has a long term potential to become saturated as fuels such as diesel and
gasoline permeate the HDPE material.
Fuel (HDPE) in a plastic tank being transported by a vehicle, environmental
stress cracking is a definite potential. The flammability of fuel makes stress cracking
a possible cause of catastrophic failure.
Emergencies aside, HDPE plastic is suitable for short term storage of diesel
and gasoline. In the U.S., Underwriters Laboratories approved (UL 142) tanks would
be a minimum design consideration.
There are a few things to consider when you are planning to store fuel:
What type of container should you store fuel in?
Having a supply of fuel in containers that protect the fuel and are easy to carry is
important. You should focus to settle for something cost-effective and portable.
There are many different types of fuel containers:
Gas containers are red (they can be from plastic) with a built-in spout of some
form.
Kerosene containers are blue
Diesel is Yellow
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It is important to follow this handy color convention so that you don’t
accidentally pour regular gas in your kerosene heater and fry your eyebrows off or
worse.
You can get new fuel cans just about anywhere. Home Depot, Wal-Mart,
Lowes and any hardware store will have some options for you.
You can also pick fuel cans up at yard-sales or salvage companies.
The place you store your fuel should be as airtight as possible. You don’t want
fumes leaking where you have your fuel stored, and gasoline evaporates quickly
when exposed to air.
How Much and Where Should You Store Your Fuel?
What are you going to do when there will be no more fuel to buy?
If you are unable to get to the gas station or there are rations at the pump, you
can never have too much. Would 500 gallons be enough? It really depends on the
situation. If you have a minor power outage that lasts a few days, then you wouldn’t
need that much gas at all. If it’s the end of the world and there are no gas stations
anymore, those 500 gallons is going to be a huge help, but it won’t last forever.
If you have an emergency situation for your car, you should plan on storing as
much gas as you need to get you to your bug out location and add 50% to that. So, if
you needed 2 tanks of gas to get you to your retreat and your tank held 20 gallons, I
would store 60 gallons of treated fuel. This way, if for some reason your house is
invaded, you should have plenty of gas to get you anywhere.
Everyone should have at least one can of gas stored for emergencies.
Fuel should be stored in a clean, preferably cool place away from where you
live. Keep your stored gasoline in a shed separate from the house/garage in order to
mitigate some of the risk. Make sure that you create a duct tape label attached to the
can with the purchase date written in permanent marker so that you know how old
the fuel is and rotate once every 12 months.
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Don’t forget to rotate
You shouldn’t buy 50 gallons of gas, throw in some stabilizer and forget about
them. Use and rotate your fuel yearly and you will be in great shape if something
does require you to use your supplies.
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What Spare Parts to Store and Where to Store Them
Many times, people do not realize the importance of car repair until the car
breaks down. But, it is essential to understand that after a period of time, your car
undergoes mechanical degradation, and some of its parts require your attention. A
small defect ought to be nipped in the bed, or it may fester and cause irreversible
damage. Therefore, regular checkup and maintenance is must.
What Spare Parts to Store in Case Your Car Breaks Down
Spare tire: Check your spare tire often. It’s humiliating to find that your spare
is flat, just when you need it.
Jack
Oil
Canister gas
Special patches for wheels
Compressor
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Alternator/ Jumper cables: One of the most common automotive malfunctions
is the loss of power to start the engine, either from an old or faulty battery or
from leaving the headlights on by mistake.
Car keys set/ Accessory kit
Snow and ice equipment: If you live in a cold area, carry tire chains or a bag of
sand. A small shovel is useful for digging your tires out, and a scraper allows
you to clear your windshield of snow and/or ice. A can of de-icer is useful in
icy weather.
Also, you should have in your car the followings:
Hand cleaner: Most hand cleaners are grease solvents.
Gloves: Keep a pair of gloves in the vehicle for emergencies. Industrial rubber
gloves, available at swimming pool supply stores, aren’t affected by gasoline,
solvent, or battery acid.
You should store all of them in your trunk.
So, which parts of your car should be most often replaced?
The oil and oil filter
Ideally, you should change your motor oil every three months or after every
3,000 miles. If you often drive around in hot or dusty conditions, you might even want
to change oil more often than that.
The process is pretty simple and as easy as one-two-three. Step one is getting
ready; step two is draining the oil and changing the oil filter while step three is
installing the new oil.
Getting Ready
When getting ready, it is important to have the right tools and materials on
hand, such as jack stands, a socket set and an oil drain pan. Let your car engine run
for 10 minutes before you pour the oil, since warm oil is easier to drain than cold.
Make sure that you park on a level surface or, if your car has a low clearance, jack it
up or drive it onto a ramp. If you’re jacking up the car, use two jack stands instead of
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one. (An additional jack costs about $20 and that is a small price to pay to spare your
face from being squished by a poorly balanced car.) You might want to check your
cars manually regarding the weight of oil and type of oil filter you need to use.
Draining the Oil and Changing the Oil Filter
To drain the oil, crawl under the car and look for the oil drain plug under the
engine near the front of the car. Position your pan beneath it, and then use a socket
wrench to loosen the plug, turning counterclockwise. Once loosened, you can use
your hand to remove it, and the hot oil starts pouring out. Make sure that all the old
oil is drained into the pan. Once it’s completely drained, wipe the drain plug and its
opening. Now replace its gasket and use a wrench to reinstall the plug but don’t
make it too tight.
Next, look at the oil filter. It is usually at the side of the engine. Place the oil
pan beneath it in case any oil remains. Unscrew the oil filter (use gloves if it is too
hot) and wipe its area clean, especially where it mounts to the engine. Dab a bit of
your new oil on the rubber seal of the new filter and then screw it in by hand. You
don’t have to use a wrench to tighten it.
Installing New Oil
Remove the oil filler cap that’s located at the top of the engine. Position the
funnel at the opening and slowly start pouring in the new oil. You might want to
check your manual for the proper oil capacity but, typically, you will need four or five
quarts of oil. Once you’re done, put back the oil filler cap. Start the engine, let it run
for a minute and then check the dipstick. If you need to, add more oil. Now check for
any leaks near the oil drain plug and the filter. If you do find leaks, just tighten the
plug or oil filter.
You’re done. But don’t forget to clean up. Carefully wipe away any excess oil
and put the old oil into a plastic container, then dispose of it. Don’t just pour it
anywhere, though. It is better to take it to the recycle center or other authorized
locations.
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The simple act of changing the oil in your car may be the best thing you can
do to protect your car and your investment in it.
Windshield wipers
Some things could only live for so long. And just like everything else,
windshield wipers blades also do wear down and ultimately stop performing. You
may not need your windshield wipers every day. However, it is still important that you
do make sure that they are in good condition, so that when the time comes that you
need them, they would serve your purposes perfectly.
Imagine if you would be driving during a torrential downpour or on a foggy day
or through a snowy afternoon with windshield wipers whose blades have already
broken down or are already hanging halfway across the whole wiper arm. Sure
enough, your chances of meeting accidents would be much greater, for your view is
greatly diminished.
To start off, you should first buy a complete set of windshield wiper blades
according to your car’s specifics. If you do not know where to purchase such blades,
you can try looking through the Internet for stores that offer such. Or, if you are
concerned about your private information’s security, you can try purchasing at your
trusted local auto parts store instead.
Most people have a hard time figuring out how to put in new windshield wiper
blades. After all, the whole package of windshield wipers comes with an instruction
manual in a couple of languages along with a whole set of complicated instructions.
However, automobile experts inform owners like you that the whole process is an
easy deal as long as you do get familiar with the entire windshield wiper contraption.
Pull the wiper arm and make sure that it is not resting on your car’s windshield
anymore. Then, you can start removing the old wiper blade from the arm. Some
windshield wipers need you to push simply on a tab and pull the blade off. However,
there are some wipers that ask you to lift a tab with a small screwdriver to take the
blade loose.
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Once you have removed the old blade, you can put in the new blade on the
arm. Make sure that you put it in correctly. You would know because the blade is
already secure on the arm. If not, you would notice that it seems like it would fly off
once you are cruising down the streets. If you are satisfied that the blade has been
successfully replaced, you can now put the windshield wiper arm back to its old
position.
Air and pollen filters
A dirty or clogged cabin air filter can cause musty odors in the vehicle and
cause contaminants to become so concentrated in the cabin that passengers
breathe in more fumes and particles when riding in the car compared to walking
down the street. A restricted cabin air filter can also impair airflow in the HVAC
system, possibly causing interior heating and cooling problems, essential for staying
comfortable this winter. Over time, the heater and air conditioner may also become
damaged by corrosion.
Most filters are accessible through an access panel in the HVAC housing,
which may be under the hood or in the interior of the car. An automotive service
technician can help locate the cabin filter and replace it according to the vehicle’s
owner manual. Some filters require basic hand tools to remove and install the
replacement filter; others just require your hands. Filters should not be cleaned and
reinstalled; instead, they should be replaced.
The brake pads
It might be hard to realize when you should replace your brake pads. But
some signs can indicate that you need to change them. Ignoring them is a bad idea
as it can cause more trouble on the long run.
Here are the most common signs that something is wrong with your breaks:
squealing brakes, spongy brake pedals, grinding of the brakes, wheel garbs, the car
pulling from one side to the other, brake pedal pumping. Be sure to notice if there
are any signs of these when you are driving.
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Once you notice any of these problems, you should then have your car
inspected, which should reveal that your brakes are worn and need to get replaced.
If that is the case, it can be a little easy for you.
The next step would depend on how much knowledge, time and money you
have to invest. If you look around, you can probably find a garage that will offer free
brake inspections, which can help you determine what exactly is wrong with your
breaks.
You can ask your mechanic for a complete diagnosis of your break system.
They will also give an estimate of how much it will cost you and what parts need to
be repaired.
If you feel confident enough to do the job yourself, you can save quite a bit of
money. You can not only save money on the labor but on the parts as well. You
should shop around to get a good deal on the part. A good place to check out would
be the internet. Shopping online can give you more selections and save you a lot of
money.
In the end, all that matters is that you have your breaks fixed, so you can get
on the road again.
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The Last Advices For the sake of your mental and physical health spend as much time out of
your car as practical.
The anxiety, fatigue and even shame of living in your car can lead to
depression and reclusiveness. The car begins to feel like a security blanket, the only
sure thing in a frighteningly uncertain world. But to move forward, it is essential to
keep reaching out and taking steps to maintain your health and promote your future
well-being.
An evacuation or another forced-homelessness scenario can undermine your
fundamental sense of self. By preparing in advance, you can turn the experience
around to create an affirmation of competency, resiliency, and a new understanding
of what we really ‚need‛ — gifts to take back home with you.
Think positive; you will not live in your car forever. It is something for the
moment until the police will help you get rid of invaders.
Also, if you follow the above information, you’ll be able to face the situation
easily.