Playing the what if game

[Jason Boggs]

As a retired Correctional Officer of 23 years, I was taught to play the "what if game" and be prepared at all times. This thinking has drifted over to this What if list for different scenarios that may arise during a chase. Feel free to add to this list because I'm sure I missed something.

What if I have a flat?
* I have a spare that is in good condition and full of air
* My tire changing kit is in good condition, and all parts are there
* I have 2 cans of fix-a-flat
* I have multiple packs of tire plugs to get a flat fixed fast
* I have an air compressor to put air in a flat tire
* I have a flare and orange cones to help me be seen

What if my GPS malfunctions?
* I have back up detailed paper maps of ALL states I plan to chase in
* I have an ipad with several different mapping apps
* I have my cell phone with several different mapping apps

What if I have car trouble?
* I have tools to make minor repairs if I need to
* I have jumper cables and a battery box for a dead battery
* I have clear plastic and gorilla tape for busted out windows due to hail or other debris

What if my cell phone malfunctions?
* I have a ham radio to get up to the minute warnings via NWS
* I have an ipad to get radar data, etc

What if my cell phone charger malfunctions?
* I have 2 extra chargers at all times

What if I lose my pair of reading glasses? I'm 54 and they are important! lol
* I have 2 extra pairs at all times

What if my windshield/windows are dirty?
* I have new windshield wipers with a full reservoir of fluid
* I have windex window wipes

What if nature calls in the middle of nowhere?
* I have a full roll of TP and a bottle to urinate in if it's raining or lightning and I can't get out of the vehicle.

What if my ipad goes dead?
* I have an extra charger

What if I get hungry or thirsty out in the field?
* I carry a cooler with snacks and drinks

What if I get hurt?
I have multiple first aid kits for bleeding, broken bones, etc

What if I have car trouble or a flat at night?
* I have multiple flashlights with spare batteries along with a spotlight

What if I find myself stuck on a muddy road?
* I have a shovel to help dig myself out
* I have a general tow rope
* I have a recovery rope

What if I run out of gas?
* I don't carry extra gas. I absolutely keep a half tank at all times

What if I'm buying something and the card reader is down?
* I always carry some cash with me

What if I get caught in a hailstorm and my windshield start to shatter?
* I carry a pair of goggles to protect my eyes

What if I have an unexpected stay or get my clothes wet?
* I have an extra set of clothes and shoes at all times

What if outflow from a storm brings in chilly air?
* I have a medium weight jacket with me at all times

What if I need to assist someone on the side of the road?
* I carry a bright orange safety vest to be seen

What if I need to cut a hose, tape, etc?
* I carry a knife on me at all times along with a couple of extras in the vehicle.

What if my 12 volt power outlet in my vehicle malfunctions?
* I have 2 power banks to charge cell phone, etc

What if my radar app is going wonky for some unknown reason?
* I have 3 radar apps on my phone. MyRadar, Radarscope, and Radar Omega

What if there is a lot of smoke in the air if I'm covering fires?
* I have a pair of goggles and a box of N95 masks

What if I need to take a hail picture for the NWS or TV station?
* To compare sizes, I carry a quarter along with a ping pong ball, golf ball, tennis ball, baseball, and softball. Maybe after this year's record TX hailstone, I might need to carry a volleyball...lol

What if I need to make a quick report to the TV station or NWS?
* I have several different numbers on speed dial.

 

[Dan Robinson]

Jason, those are great. Here are a few I thought of:

What if my credit/debit card stops working (due to fraud or just expiring) or is lost?
* Have a second payment method already set up (a second card through another account, bank or service like Paypal, Apple Pay, etc)

What if hotels are booked for hours out?
* Have basic gear for comfortable vehicle sleep (blanket, pillow, window shades/blocks).

What of my camera's memory card fails or runs out of space?
* Carry backup drives and offload footage/photos to it each day
* Buy enough cards (they are cheap nowadays) and larger cards so you never have to overwrite/format a card on a long trip.
* Back up any valuable shots to online/cloud servers as soon as possible after capture

What if I get into a situation where I need to walk a long distance and/or on muddy roads?
* Carry (or wear) a pair of comfortable boots or shoes suitable for rough conditions.