Last week I wrote about how to make your acquaintance with residences in your response area. This week, I want you to become familiar with vehicles.

Vehicle models change every year making it increasingly difficult for us to have a solid working knowledge of the ins and outs of their design. The surest way to get a look at a new model is to visit the dealership, ask to look at some vehicles and pick up vehicle brochures. Familiarizing yourself with vehicle designs will be invaluable knowledge in extrication situations.

Also, ask to walk around the maintenance area to look at cars under repair. You probably won't see a new car in this area (unless it's being customized), but you'll get a different look at previous models and get to ask the mechanics questions about things like how to disable the airbag. Of course, this is also a good time to preplan the dealership.

Lastly, if your community has some sort of mass-transit system, or even just a shuttle service for the old folks, get a look at the buses. Learn how to operate the doors, wheel chair lifts and emergency exits. Like I said last week, it's much better to get acquainted with these things before you're in a situation where lives are depending on you.