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                                         Safety Tips 

Floods

Floods are one of the most common hazards in the United States.  Flood effects can be local, impacting a neighborhood or community, or very large, affecting entire river basins and multiple states.

Some floods develop slowly, sometimes over a period of days, but flash floods can develop quickly, sometimes in just a few minutes and without any visible signs of rain.  Flash floods often have a dangerous wall of roaring water that carries rocks, mud, and other debris and can sweep away most things in its path.  Overland flooding occurs outside a defined river or stream, such as when a levee is breached, but still can be destructive.  Flooding can also occur when a dam breaks, producing effects similar to flash floods.

Be aware of flood hazards no matter where you live, but especially if you live in a low-lying area, near water or downstream from a dam.  Even very small streams, gullies, creeks, culverts, dry streambeds, or low-lying ground that appear harmless in dry weather can flood.  Every state is at risk from this hazard.

Flood: Know Your Terms

Familiarize yourself with these terms to help identify a flood hazard:

Flood Watch:
Flooding is possible. Tune in to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for information.

Flash Flood Watch:
Flash flooding is possible. Be prepared to move to higher ground; listen to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for information.

Flood Warning:
Flooding is occurring or will occur soon; if advised to evacuate, do so immediately.

Flash Flood Warning:
A flash flood is occurring; seek higher ground on foot immediately.

Before a Flood

To prepare for a flood, you should:

• Avoid building in a floodprone area unless you elevate and reinforce your home.
• Elevate the furnace, water heater, and electric panel if susceptible to flooding.
• Install "check valves" in sewer traps to prevent floodwater from backing up into the drains of your home.
• Contact community officials to find out if they are planning to construct barriers (levees, beams, floodwalls) to stop floodwater from entering the homes in your area.
• Seal the walls in your basement with waterproofing compounds to avoid seepage

During a Flood

If a flood is likely in your area, you should:

• Listen to the radio or television for information.
• Be aware that flash flooding can occur.  If there is any possibility of a flash flood, move immediately to higher ground.  Do not wait for instructions to move.
• Be aware of streams, drainage channels, canyons, and other areas known to flood suddenly.  Flash floods can occur in these areas with or without such typical warnings as rain clouds or heavy rain.

If you must prepare to evacuate, you should do the following:

• Secure your home.  If you have time, bring in outdoor furniture.  Move essential items to an upper floor.
• Turn off utilities at the main switches or valves if instructed to do so.  Disconnect electrical appliances.  Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.

If you have to leave your home, remember these evacuation tips:

• Do not walk through moving water.  Six inches of moving water can make you fall.  If you have to walk in water, walk where the water is not moving.  Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you.
• Do not drive into flooded areas.  If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely.  You and the vehicle can be quickly swept away.

Driving Flood Facts

The following are important points to remember when driving in flood conditions:

• Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars causing loss of control and possible stalling.
• A foot of water will float many vehicles.
• Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles including sport utility vehicles (SUV’s) and pick-ups.

After a Flood

The following are guidelines for the period following a flood:

• Listen for news reports to learn whether the community’s water supply is safe to drink.
• Avoid floodwaters; water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline, or raw sewage.  Water may also be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines.
• Avoid moving water.
• Be aware of areas where floodwaters have receded.  Roads may have weakened and could collapse under the weight of a car.
• Stay away from downed power lines, and report them to the power company.
• Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe.
• Stay out of any building if it is surrounded by floodwaters.
• Use extreme caution when entering buildings; there may be hidden damage, particularly in foundations.
• Service damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pits, and leaching systems as soon as possible.  Damaged sewage systems are serious health hazards.
• Clean and disinfect everything that got wet.  Mud left from floodwater can contain sewage and chemicals.

Please see attached interactive map for flood locations in your area.

http://water.weather.gov/ahps/

Holiday Health and Safety Tips

Mall Parking Lot Safety

Many things can happen to your vehicle in a mall parking lot while you are inside happily holiday shopping away. For instance, your car can get damaged by opening doors, rolling shopping carts or testy drivers trying to fit into tight parking spots. While this may seem like the price your car has to pay for trying to go to the mall during the holidays - it doesn't have to be. There are many things you can do to help keep you and your car safe while at the mall this holiday season. No matter when or where you go holiday shopping, safety should always be your first priority - especially when it comes to your car. That's because mall and shopping center parking lots are prime targets for car theft, car vandalism, and robberies.  To help prevent this from happening to you, here are some helpful Holiday Shopping Safety Tips to keep you and your car safe and secure during the holiday season.

Holiday Shopping Safety Tips

• Always park in a spot where there is plenty of light and, if possible, park close to your destination.
• Avoid parking next to vans, trucks with camper shells, or cars with tinted windows.
• Close all windows and lock all doors.
• Take note of where you parked your car and what store entrance it is closest to.
• Shop with a friend or family member - having a friend walk to and from the parking lot with you will help keep you both safe and sound.
• Place your packages in your trunk or under your seat where no one can see them.
• Condense your packages into one or two bags to create the illusion that you did not purchase so many valuable (and theft-worthy) items.
• If you run out to your car to drop off packages while shopping, make sure to move your car to a new location before heading back into the mall. This will help lead anyone that is watching you to believe that you and your packages have headed home for the night.
• Leave your most expensive purchases until the end of the day when you can quickly hop in your car and go directly home.
• Request for a security guard to escort to your car.
• When walking to your car have your head up and your keys ready, the last thing you want to do is appear vulnerable to criminals. In addition, make sure to look under and in front of your car to make sure that no one is waiting to attack you.
• Do not approach your car alone if there are suspicious people in the area.
• Be aware of your surroundings. Often thieves will disguise themselves as normal shoppers who accidentally bump into you stealing your purse, wallet, packages, car keys or even worse, attacking you.
• When entering your car, make sure to check your front seat and back seat for anyone that could potentially be hiding in the car.
• Get into the car, lock the doors and exit the area immediately. Criminals prey on shoppers who sit in their cars to make phone calls or review their purchases for the day. Don't leave yourself susceptible to such a risk.

What Your Auto Insurance Coverage Won't Cover

Through the course of a shopping day, many people will take packages to and from their car to lessen the load while they are walking through the mall. Even though this may seem like a great idea at the time, it is not if the gifts are stolen from your car. That's because many auto insurance companies will not cover holiday packages stolen from a policy holder's car - even if they were securely stored in your trunk. However, if you paid for your gifts with a credit card you might be in luck! Some credit card companies will cover stolen purchases if they were paid for with their credit card, but if you paid with cash or check, you are out of luck.  Regardless of how you paid for your gifts, you should always file a police report to help alert police of the incident and to potentially prevent this crime from happening to someone else.

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN COLD, SEASONAL FLU & H1N1 SYMPTOMS
SYMPTOM	COLD	SEASONAL FLU	H1N1
FEVER	Fever is rare with a cold.	Fever is common with the seasonal flu.	Fever is usually present with H1N1 in up to 80% of all flu cases. A temperature of 101°
COUGHING	A hacking, productive (mucus-producing) cough is often present with a cold.	A dry and hacking cough is often present with the seasonal flu.	A non-productive (non-mucus producing) cough is usually present with H1N1 (sometimes referred to as dry cough).*
ACHES	Slight body aches and pains can be part of a cold.	Moderate body aches are common with the seasonal flu.	Severe aches and pains are common with H1N1.*
STUFFY NOSE	Stuffy nose is commonly present with a cold and typically resolves spontaneously within a week.	A runny nose is commonly present with the seasonal flu.	Stuffy nose is not commonly present with H1N1.
CHILLS	Chills are uncommon with a cold.	Chills are mild to moderate with the seasonal flu.	60% of people who have H1N1 experience chills.
TIREDNESS	Tiredness is fairly mild with a cold.	Tiredness is moderate and more likely referred to as a lack of energy with the seasonal flu.	Tiredness is moderate to severe with H1N1.*
SNEEZING	Sneezing is commonly present with a cold	Sneezing is commonly present with the seasonal flu.	Sneezing is not common with H1N1.
SUDDEN SYMPTOMS	Cold symptoms tend to develop over a few days.	Symptoms tend to develop over a few days and include flushed face, loss of appetite, dizziness and/or vomiting/nausea. Symptoms usually last 4-7 days, depending on the individual. Diarrhea is common.	H1N1 has a rapid onset within 3-6 hours. H1N1 hits hard and includes sudden symptoms like high fever, aches and pains. Symptoms usually last 4-7 days, depending on the individual. Diarrhea is common.
HEADACHE	A headache is fairly uncommon with a cold.	A headache is fairly common with the seasonal flu.	A headache is very common with H1N1 and present in 80% of cases.*
SORE THROAT	Sore throat is commonly present with a cold.	Sore throat is commonly present with the seasonal flu.	Sore throat is not commonly present with H1N1.
CHEST DISCOMFORT	Chest discomfort is mild to moderate with a cold.	Chest discomfort is moderate with the seasonal flu. If it turns severe seek medical attention immediately!	Chest discomfort is often severe with H1N1.
PREVENTION TIPS:
ücough & sneeze into your elbow
üwash hands with soap and warm water for a minimum of 15 -20 seconds. Sing your abc's or happy birthday to you
üuse hand sanitizer when soap & water are not available
üavoid touching eyes, nose or mouth without washing or using hand sanitizer first

24 Sep 2008

18 September 2008

If asked to evacuate, make sure you have a “to go” bag ready. It should include all of the items listed above as well as:

• Maps/evacuation routes
• Important documents such as proof residence, pictures of your family including pets, insurance policies, and tax records;
• Comfortable clothing and blankets;
• Unique family needs such as prescription medications, pet supplies, infant supplies or any other unique need your family may have

Plan to evacuate

• Identify ahead of time several places you could go in an emergency, a friend's home in another town, a motel or public shelter.
• If you do not have a car, plan alternate means of evacuating.
• Take your “to go” bag
• Take your pets with you, but understand that some shelters only take service animals.

28 August, 2008

How many times have you sat minutes or hours in a traffic jam, waiting to see the cop cars, tow

trucks and ambulances which signal your wait may soon end, but eventually traffic just ends and

there was no evidence of any incident?  In these cases, bad driving is the likely culprit.

Driving in America's increasingly crowded cities and suburbs is frustrating and difficult. Driving examinations have not responded to the challenges of mega-urbanization. Specifically, American driving standards are not high enough; people who lack driving skills—and driving sense— can get licensed and re-licensed until something really bad happens.  See full article, http://www.sustainableenterprises.com/Community/drivtest.htm

There are two forms of the Careless Driving

1)  Driving Without Due Care and 2)  Attention Driving Without Reasonable Consideration for Other Road Users.  All must show that the defendant's driving fell below the required standard, in that he was not displaying the proper care and attention of a reasonable, competent and prudent driver. Although these two different forms of the offence require quite different types of evidence, they are often referred to under the general heading of Careless Driving.  Read on, http://www.yourbaddriving.co.uk/pages/careless.htm

21 July 2008 

VERTIGO

SPATIAL DISORIENTATION (OR vertigo) can be classified in three types.

1.      Unrecognized vertigo (spatial) disorientation (Type 1) which refers to situations in which the pilot Files to perceive a change from the desired orientation.

2.      Recognized vertigo (spatial) disorientation (Type II) occurs when the pilot

Realizes there is a conflict between the flight instruments reading and what his body senses.

3.      Incapacitating vertigo (spatial) disorientation (Type III) refers to a situation or situations in which the physical symptoms accompanying the disorientation (visual impairment, muscle spasms, nausea or panic) are sever enough to incapacitate the pilot.

ILLUSION PILOTS MAY EXPERIENCE

THE LEANS:  A illusion  in which, after a prolonged, gentle turn followed by a sudden return to level flight, a pilot will sense a turn or bank in the opposite direction. Pilot experiencing the leans may lean in the direction of the orginal turn in an attemp to regain the perception of the correct vertical posture.

THE CORIOLIS ILLUSION:  A illusion in which, while the aircraft is turning, a pilot tilts his head to read a map. When the head is tilted out of the plane of rotation, the pilot will experience a sensation of rolling. Depending on the nature of the turn, the pilot may also experience a sensation that the aircraft is pitching, yawing, or both.

THE GRAVEYARD SPIRAL: Unaware the airplane is banking but sensing the nose drop and a loss in altitude, a pilot may pull back on the yoke to try to regain altitude r slow the rate of descent. The increase in back pressure on the yoke usually results in a tighter turn and a drop of the nose, causing a further loss of altitude. The sequence may continue until the airplane stalls, breaks apart, or hits the ground.

THE INVERSION : A  illusion in which, after a sustained climb in a high-performance aircraft, the pilot levels the aircraft, creating a lighter  SEAT BOTTOM sensation while the acceleration maintains the seat-back pressure. The sensation is that of the aircraft continuing to increase in pitch. Soon the pilot perceives the aircraft is inverted.

THE MEDICAL TERM FOR THIS IS SOMATOGYRAL: OR SIMPLY SPINNING ILLUSIONS. SOMATO IS GREEK FOR BODY AND GRAVIC IS ACCELERATION.

So how do we overcome vertigo and survive: The flight instruments today are one of the most trustworthy to-date.

The instruments work just fine; the pilot has to be TAUGHT to RESIST the INSTINT to fly “by the seat of their pants” – that is, by sensation alone.

Army Air Corp Captain William Ocker co-authored the first book  in 1932 called “Blind Flying in Theory and Practice”, which deals with sensations and difficult discipline belief in the pilots instrutments.

 June 2, 2008

                                                                  Cell Phones and Driving

We’ve all seen one — or been one. We’re talking about that distracted driver, one hand on the steering wheel and the other on the phone, with the job of driving safely clearly far from his mind.

Cell phone use has escalated considerably in the past decade. So have the number of phone-related traffic fatalities and the number of jurisdictions enacting laws that prohibit or restrict cell phone use. Many companies are following suit by introducing policies that prohibit or limit a worker’s cell phone use while driving.  Federal regulation at ADS-2 Safety and Health Directive prohibits the use of a cell phone when you are driving in a GOV, POV or Rental car on official business.

WHAT’S THE DANGER

Studies suggest driving while on a cell phone can be as dangerous as driving drunk. Not convinced? Try following drivers who are talking on the phone. Are they driving inconsistently, speeding up one minute and then slowing down the next? Do they change lanes unexpectedly or have difficulty staying in their own lane? Those are all telltale signs that a driver is distracted by a cell phone.

A study conducted by the National Safety Council found cell phone users missed twice as many simulated traffic signals as drivers who weren’t on the phone. This included drivers using a hands-free device, something researchers say is only slightly safer than using a hand-held phone.

Cell phones have not increased productivity to the extent that some might suggest. One company surveyed employees a year after introducing a cell phone ban and found 95 percent reported no lost productivity.

EXAMPLE

In June 2007, five teens were killed when their car swerved into oncoming traffic and collided with a truck.  The investigation revealed that the driver’s cell phone was being used to make calls and send text messages at the time of the crash.

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF

·         Don’t use a cell phone if you are a new driver or are getting accustomed to a new car. Master the most important skills first.

·         Pull over to the side of the road to take or make calls, including calls to 9-1-1.

·         Review your company’s cell phone policy, if one exists, and abide by it when driving or operating machinery and equipment including forklifts and backhoes.

·         Familiarize yourself with any motor vehicle laws pertaining to cell phones, especially when traveling out of state or province.

·         Limit phone use to when you are parked or ask a passenger to make calls for you.

·         Use a hands-free headset and keep calls brief. Talking while driving is always distraction that is best avoided.

·         Don’t take notes or look up phone numbers while driving. Ask the caller to leave details on your voicemail.

·         Get to know your phone and its features so you know where the buttons are.

·         Keep your phone within easy reach so you don’t have to take your eyes off the road.

·         Don’t make or take calls during heavy traffic or severe weather.

·         Never have stressful or emotional conversations while driving.

·         Keep conversations brief. Let the person know you are driving and must hang up as soon as possible.

Safety Tip:  Cell phones have made our roads and highways both safer and more dangerous than ever before. Make a conscious effort to restrict, or eliminate, cell phone use while driving. It could mean the difference between life and death.   

 February 1, 2008

 From: Wing Members With OPSEC [mailto:KYWGCAPOPSEC@LSV.UKY.EDU] On Behalf Of Russ Hensley
Sent: Thursday, May 15, 2008 5:04 PM
To: KYWGCAPOPSEC@LSV.UKY.EDU
Subject: EXERCISE related traffic

 To all CAP ES Members:

I wanted to share some thoughts with you to think about while you are preparing tonight to leave in the morning for the training exercise in Bowling Green.

SAFETY SAFETY SAFETY  

We are being EVALUATED, but there is no cost to anything that we do in life that would be expensive enough for anyone to be hurt or injured during the course of this training.  Please act cautiously and steadily and let’s maintain a CULTURE of SAFETY as part of our doctrine over the next few days to carry on through until the next EVAL.

“Let all things be done decently and in order”.  – I Corinthians, 14 – 40 KJV

My second thought is that we are coming from our busy “real world” lives in order to perform this mission for America. We are the descendants of the original Flying Minutemen and carry on their torch as a non-full time Volunteer Auxiliary of the US Air Force.     For the next few days we will attempt to step into another mode and respond the best way that we can to not just pass the standards set forth by the US Air Force and our CAP peers, but to also EXCEED and SURPASS them when we can do it in a safe manner.   This coming together is an unusual thing in such a large way in that we don’t have the opportunity to do it often as large as we are preparing to do with each other and our peers this weekend.

“Coming together is a beginning.  Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.”   -- Henry Ford.

Cordially,

Capt. Russ Hensley, CAP

Incident Commander

                                        Quick, Silent Killer-----Carbon Monoxide

An ‘Unconscious’ Landing

Plane Lands Itself in Hayfield as Pilot Slumbers

Carbon monoxide poisoning is a safety issue that pilots tend to ignore, even though it is the most common industrial poisoning accident in the United States. When carbon monoxide poisoning occurs, it can have significant and fatal consequences for aircraft occupants.

Carbon monoxide is a by-product of the incomplete combustion of carbon-containing materials. Aviation fuel contains carbon and is a ready source of carbon monoxide when burned. Expect carbon monoxide whenever an internal combustion engine is operating, and even though piston engines produce the highest concentrations of carbon monoxide, exhaust from turbine engines could also cause carbon monoxide poisoning. In addition, expect carbon monoxide whenever a fire occurs, as commonly happens in a post-crash environment.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is one of the most dangerous and common industrial hazards. This poisonous gas kills quietly and outright.  It also causes brain damage, heart and breathing problems and other illnesses and injuries.

CO gives no warning of its presence because it is colorless, odorless and tasteless.  The main source of carbon monoxide is incomplete burning of anything that contains carbon.  This includes airplane fuel, gasoline, natural gas, oil, propane, coal and wood.

During normal combustion each atom of carbon in the burning fuel joins with two atoms of oxygen forming a gas called carbon dioxide.  When there isn’t enough oxygen for complete burning, each atom of carbon joins up with only one atom of oxygen, forming carbon monoxide gas.

The internal combustion engine, such as used in airplanes and motor vehicles, is the most common source; other sources include heat furnaces, forges, blast furnaces, coke, ovens and kilns.

CO poisons by displacing oxygen in the blood after it is inhaled.  CO combines 200 times faster with the blood’s oxygen carrier, hemoglobin, than does oxygen.  Large amounts of CO in the air can kill a person within minutes, even if there is plenty of oxygen available in the air.

At lower levels, CO causes headaches, tightness across the chest, fatigue, nausea and drowsiness.  With symptoms such as these, CO poisoning is often mistaken for an illness such as the flu. A worker with mild CO poisoning is prone to injury and errors because of being sleepy, tired and inattentive.

Increased exposure interferes with physical coordination and mental alertness.  CO exposure can lead to convulsions, coma and in many cases death. Even if a victim survives a serious exposure he or she may suffer permanent damage to body tissue, particularly of the brain and the heart.

Why Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Should Concern Pilots

What is not known is the full extent of carbon monoxide poisoning in aviation. Analysis of toxicology samples from fatal U.S. aircraft accidents between 1967 and 1993 showed that at least 360 victims had been exposed to sufficient carbon monoxide before or after the crash to impair their abilities. Non-fatal carbon monoxide poisoning in aviation is likely a more common occurrence than currently believed. No one is sure how many times pilots or passengers became ill, not realizing they had been exposed to carbon monoxide. Because no significant incident or incapacitation occurred, the matter was not reported and, hence, not investigated. Symptoms that could be attributed to airsickness, altitude hypoxia, fatigue, or a variety of other conditions actually could have been carbon monoxide poisoning.

Exposure and symptoms may occur repeatedly over several flights until, finally, someone suspects carbon monoxide or, tragically, an accident claims a victim. No database presently exists that accurately collects or tracks non-fatal aviation carbon monoxide exposure information.

CO is also a hazard at home.  A poorly adjusted or defective fuel furnace can cause CO to form and accumulate in the house through leaking flues, vents and chimneys.  Hot water heaters, clothes, dryers and space heaters fueled by natural gas or propane also can generate deadly CO.  Maintaining adequate ventilation, using the devices correctly and installing a CO detector are three ways to prevent poisoning.

Motor vehicles are the main cause of all carbon monoxide deaths.  Moving and stationary vehicles are involved.  More than one-third of deaths from CO involving motor vehicles occur during the winter often in garages.

Safety Tip:      Keep a window open when the airplane or your car is idling and don’t sit in an idling airplane in an enclosed space such as a hangar or your car in a garage. 

January 2008 Safety Tips

 Before takeoff

 In winter, before a passenger jet takes off, the second officer walks around the plane to check for ice on the wings and reports it to the captain. The captain calls the airline to deice the plane. When the weather’s bad enough, the airlines automatically deice all their planes.

The deicing fluid contains about 90% glycol and 8% water. Glycol is an alcohol that lowers the freezing point of water from 32 degrees Fahrenheit to -58 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s similar to the antifreeze used in cars. Planes that sit for less than 15 minutes before takeoff get deiced and they’re done. Planes that have to wait longer before takeoff follow a two-step process. First, they get deiced. Then they get sprayed with an unheated anti-icing fluid. This fluid has a gluey quality that helps it stay on the plane and prevents additional ice from forming (anti-icing prevents and deicing removes).

Retired Northwest Airlines Capt. Jerry Gilliand says that at the first sign of weather that may cause ice (anytime it's 50 degrees Fahrenheit or colder and visible moisture is present), a jumbo jet pilot turns on engine anti-icing. Hot air from the jet engines runs through tubing inside the wings. The hot air heats the wings enough to prevent ice from forming and melt any that may have already formed. Engine anti-icing also keeps sensors working properly and giving accurate instrument readings. The captain may turn on engine anti-icing anytime it's needed, whether the plane is on the ground or in the air.

Punch "Safety Tips" above for more information.

 December Safety Tips

 Winter Weather - the past few weeks have seen increasing signs of the approaching winter

weather, Freezing, Rain, Winds, etc.  The worst is probably yet to come.  Now is a good time to

make sure all aircraft are being properly secured, (Also consider checking them during and

immediately after storms) and vehicles and other equipment parked or stored in locations safe

from falling trees or branches.  As we go out on the roads be prepared for those hidden ice

patches.  Check your tires for proper inflation and condition.  Don’t forget to dress accordingly

and have proper survival equipment present.

Air Conditioning and Anti Freeze - Anti-Freeze and Air Conditioning use during winter.  Let’s be properly prepared for the winter weather and low temperatures that are now upon us.  Besides protecting CAP vehicles, and our own keep our windshields clear.

Miscellaneous - Nose bleeds, headaches and other related ailments may occur from inhalation of

fumes or dust especially in hanger and old airport building where CAP is located.  Take

precautions if symptoms occur, such as nausea, dizziness, etc., and get to fresh air and sit down;

don’t fly aircraft or drive any vehicles.

VEHICLE CUSTODIANS,

Winter is upon us and we are due for a cold snap. Have you checked your radiator fluid? Take the time to exercise your vehicle and drop-in to your local maintenance facility and check it out. Anti-freeze is CHEEEEEEEEP compared to a new engine or a new radiator. Never run just water. Use Anti-freeze all year long to avoid corrosion and clogged radiator cores. Remember half and half, half Anti-freeze and half water, is good to -33F,

Second item. National wants oil changes done quarterly. I know what you're thinking, etc. etc. However, look at the positive side of things. For about $30.00 you get an oil change and a new filter. This is very very cheep insurance. Make sure they lube it too, you know LOF, lube oil and filter. Some maintenance facilities are so use to lifetime lubes on newer vehicles they forget to even look for the zerks on the older stuff. Most places, if you just ask, are more than willing to vacuum your rig as well. It saves you and your cadets from dragging out a vacuum cleaner. Might want to schedule in Jan, April, July and October for simplicity.

Lastly, Want to avoid air-conditioner problems? I'll pass off a tip I learned from the State Patrol, many years ago. Simply don't turn your conditioner off. In 25 years with the Patrol, I kept the conditioner on the entire time. During that time I recharged the system once but never had a system failure! Some folks are under the assumption that the conditioner just cools the air. What it really does is wring out the water and the air coming into the cab is nice and dry. Turn on the heater if it's too cool and you get warm, dry air. Keeps the inside of the vehicle dry and if your clothes get wet, they dry out quickly. So, just leave it running. The Patrol also found it was cheaper to run with the conditioner on than run with the windows down! That's in the summer, of course.