HALF FULL

With all the heartbreaking natural disasters striking Mexico and the Caribbean this month, it got me thinking about the importance of taking small steps to prepare for the worst. 

Living in Western Canada, I appreciate how quickly natural disasters can strike. Whether it was the wild fires that almost trapped the residents of Fort McMurray, the floods that instantly struck High River, Okotoks and Calgary, or the 'Big One' that the Pacific Northwest is anticipating. Living near a fault line in a subduction zone makes emergency preparedness is constant a concern. Everyone should have a Go Bag ready of course.

But I wanted to share another simple hack that can save your life in an emergency...

When a disaster strikes, there may not be time to fill up your gas tank. Gas stations may be closed, their electronic systems down, or sold out of gas. A few years back a friend of mine shared some sage advice his father once gave him: It doesn't cost anymore to keep your tank full. 

I have been in the habit of running through an entire tank before refuelling, but I'm changing my ways. I going to refuel no later than once the tank goes to half. It doesn't cost anymore to do that, takes no extra effort, and it may just save my family's life should a catastrophe strike.