This article was originally published by Martin Banks on www.survivopedia.com
The world has had many near-SHTF scenarios in the last few years, including a global pandemic, a spike in natural disasters and a widespread economic recession.
With gas prices reaching record highs, fuel scarcity is yet another potential problem you must prepare for. Here are 10 strategies for dealing with it if things continue to go south.
1. Practice Fuel-Efficient Driving Habits
How you drive your vehicle has a significant impact on its fuel consumption. If a gas crisis emerges, you can’t afford to continue wasteful habits like idling and speeding. Start practicing these fuel-efficient driving habits now so you’ll be prepared if SHTF:
You should also determine the most optimal route each time you drive. This strategy is more complicated than you think, because the fastest way isn’t always the best.
For example, going through the city might be the quickest way to get from point A to point B, but the constant starts and stops burn more fuel. A trip through the suburbs may take longer, but it consumes less gas because driving at a consistent speed puts less strain on the vehicle.
2. Use Other Transportation Methods
Start using other transportation methods to get around your local area. Use public transportation, hail a ride-sharing service, take a bicycle or simply walk. Anything that doesn’t take precious fuel from your limited supply is a worthwhile alternative. Your daily commute is a good place to start, as it makes up a large portion of your collective consumption.
You should also discuss carpooling with your co-workers so everyone can save gas on their daily commutes. A group of people can only hope to survive a SHTF scenario through communication and collaboration.
If your job is flexible enough, you might even be able to switch to a remote work position and eliminate your daily commute altogether. This one change will save you dozens of gallons of fuel in the long run.
3. Stay Proactive With Vehicle Maintenance
You need to stay proactive with maintenance for your car to remain as fuel-efficient as possible. That means you must spend more time on preventive maintenance tasks such as checking the tire pressure, changing the filters and replacing the fluids based on the manufacturer’s recommendations.
You also can’t afford to ignore minor car problems or they might lead to a serious mechanical failure. The last thing you want during a SHTF scenario is an unexpected breakdown. Learn to troubleshoot common engine problems so your car stays healthy and reliable.
The sky-high gas prices are one indicator of a possible SHTF fuel crisis, but we still don’t know when it might occur. It could happen in a few years or tomorrow. The best option is to prepare for the worst and keep your gas tanks full with frequent top-offs.
You should also fill up your spare gas cans with at least three months’ worth of fuel, as gasoline has a shelf life of up to six months. Label each tank by date so you can fill up your vehicles with the oldest can.
If and when fuel becomes scarce, all your essential vehicles and tools will have a healthy fuel supply. While everyone else is fighting each other at gas stations, you will be sitting at home thanking yourself for having the foresight to maintain your stockpile. However, you still have to use it wisely.
5. Track Your Fuel Consumption
Tracking your fuel consumption will be crucial to making your supply last. Three essential tasks will ensure accurate tracking: recording your miles driven, logging each refill and communicating with your loved ones. You can’t afford to casually take from your limited supply in a crisis. Tracking helps you devote every gallon to something worthwhile, such as driving for more supplies or heating your home. You won’t want to waste a single drop.
6. Bolster Your Home and Auto Security
In a SHTF scenario, the people with the most resources have the brightest targets on their backs. You can be sure people will try to siphon gas from you, especially if they know you have a full tank and a stockpile hidden on your property. They might even be desperate enough to steal your vehicle and other essential supplies while they’re at it.
You must bolster your house and vehicle security to protect your hard-earned supply. Your home system should include cameras, light fixtures and motion-sensor alarms to ward off trespassers. These auto security devices would make great additions to your vehicles:
Even if you live in a safe crime-free community now, there’s no guarantee it will remain so in a fuel crisis. Your next-door neighbor might become a threat. Security is one of the greatest investments you can make to prepare for a SHTF scenario.
Petroleum-based fuel shouldn’t be your only option. After all, we use gas for more than just driving. It’s essential for generating electricity, cooking food and heating homes. You need to start investing in multiple emergency fuel sources to increase your supply as much as possible. Start stockpiling these materials:
These alternative fuel sources are more widely available than gasoline, so you should start using them for daily tasks more often. Every drop of gas will be precious once SHTF, so you might as well become an expert with these other options now.
8. Use Alternative Energy Sources
You shouldn’t rely 100% on a singular energy source. These alternative options are becoming more common on off-grid homesteads worldwide:
Based on these brief descriptions, solar energy is clearly the easiest to implement for most people. However, every home has different needs. Wind or hydroelectric energy might be the most practical option for your climate and location. Evaluate your property and start laying the groundwork to install one of these systems.
9. Stock up on Essential Goods
Following all these strategies means you’ve done everything you can to prepare for a fuel shortage. What now? In a SHTF scenario, you need to prepare for everything. You can’t call yourself a true survivalist if you don’t have a shelf or bunker full of food, water, first-aid supplies and other essential survival items. Start stocking up now because a crisis can start in the blink of an eye.
10. Grow Your Own Food
The ability to grow your own food will be a major advantage if a fuel scarcity situation occurs. Trucks won’t be able to deliver fresh food, supply chains will shut down and grocery stores will have slim pickings. The only person you can rely on is yourself.
You don’t need much space to start a vegetable garden, and small livestock like chickens and pigs are fantastic resources for homesteads with limited square footage. Live off the land to stay fed and healthy in a desperate situation.
Survival of the Fittest
Many of us have the privilege of living in comfort, but a fuel crisis can take that away. Given the current state of the oil market and the global economy, a SHTF scenario doesn’t seem so farfetched. If such a situation occurs, it will be survival of the fittest.
Don’t let yourself get too comfortable. Apply these 10 tips to your survival checklist so you and your loved ones are prepared for fuel scarcity and all the problems it can bring.
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