Fuel Storage Safety for Emergencies

Storing fuel for generators, vehicles, and equipment requires careful attention to safety. Gasoline, propane, and diesel each present specific hazards and storage requirements. Improper storage can result in fires, explosions, fuel degradation, and environmental contamination.

Beyond safety, proper storage ensures fuel remains usable when needed. Gasoline in particular degrades over time, potentially damaging engines and leaving you without working equipment during an emergency.

This guide covers safe storage practices for common emergency fuels, including container selection, storage locations, treatment for longevity, and legal considerations.

Gasoline Storage

Approved Containers

Store gasoline only in approved containers designed for the purpose. Look for UL listed or FM approved containers. Red color coding indicates gasoline. Never use improvised containers, glass, or non approved plastics.

Container Sizes

Portable containers typically hold 1 to 5 gallons. Five gallon containers are most common for emergency storage. When full, a 5 gallon container weighs about 30 pounds, manageable for most adults. Larger containers become difficult to handle safely.

Storage Location

Store gasoline outside your living space. Detached sheds, garages (away from ignition sources), or outdoor storage cabinets work well. Keep away from water heaters, furnaces, or any pilot lights. Ensure good ventilation to prevent vapor accumulation.

Fuel Stabilizer

Untreated gasoline degrades in 3 to 6 months. Fuel stabilizer extends usable life to 1 to 2 years. Add stabilizer when filling containers, not after storage. Follow product instructions for dosage.

Rotation

Even with stabilizer, rotate gasoline regularly. Use stored fuel in your vehicles and refill containers with fresh fuel. This ensures your emergency supply remains viable.

Propane Storage

Container Types

Propane stores in pressurized steel or aluminum tanks. Common sizes include 1 pound disposable cylinders, 20 pound tanks (grill size), and larger 100+ pound tanks. Tanks must be DOT or ASME certified.

Storage Location

Store propane tanks outdoors only, in upright position. Never store propane indoors, in basements, or in enclosed spaces. A leaking tank in an enclosed space creates explosion risk. Protect from direct sunlight to prevent pressure buildup.

Shelf Life

Propane does not degrade chemically. Properly stored propane remains usable indefinitely. The limiting factor is tank certification: tanks require recertification every 5 to 12 years depending on type.

Safety Checks

Inspect tanks and valves regularly for rust, damage, or leaks. Apply soapy water to connections: bubbles indicate leaks. Replace damaged tanks. Never attempt to repair propane containers yourself.

Diesel Storage

Container Requirements

Use yellow coded containers approved for diesel fuel. Diesel is less volatile than gasoline but still requires proper containers. Large capacity storage (over 55 gallons) may require permits.

Storage Considerations

Diesel can be stored more safely than gasoline due to lower volatility. However, diesel grows algae and microbial contamination over time. Store in cool, dry locations away from condensation sources.

Fuel Treatment

Add biocide to prevent algae growth in long term storage. Diesel stabilizers extend shelf life. Treated diesel can last 1 to 2 years. Without treatment, expect 6 to 12 months of usable storage.

Winter Considerations

Diesel gels in cold temperatures. If you live in cold climates, use winter blend diesel or add antigel treatment for fuel stored through winter months.

General Safety Rules

Fire Prevention

Store fuel away from all ignition sources including electrical equipment, pilot lights, and areas where sparks may occur. Post "No Smoking" signs in storage areas. Keep fire extinguisher accessible near fuel storage.

Ventilation

Gasoline vapors are heavier than air and accumulate at floor level. Ensure storage areas have adequate ventilation at floor level. Never store gasoline in airtight spaces.

Quantity Limits

Local fire codes typically limit residential fuel storage. Common limits are 25 gallons of gasoline and 100 to 500 pounds of propane. Check your local regulations. Insurance policies may also have requirements.

Transportation

Transport fuel in approved containers, secured upright to prevent tipping. Do not transport fuel inside vehicle passenger compartments. Ensure caps are tightly sealed.

How Much Fuel to Store

Calculate storage needs based on equipment consumption:

Generator: Check fuel consumption rate (gallons per hour at expected load). Multiply by daily hours of operation times days of expected need.

Example: Generator uses 0.5 gallons per hour, running 8 hours daily for 7 days = 28 gallons needed.

Vehicle: Consider keeping your vehicle fuel tank at least half full at all times. Store additional fuel to extend range during emergencies when stations may be closed.

Cooking and heating: One 20 pound propane tank provides roughly 18 to 20 hours of grill cooking or several days of camp stove use.

Quick Reference Checklist

• Use only approved containers for each fuel type
• Store fuel outdoors or in well ventilated detached structures
• Keep away from all ignition sources
• Add stabilizer to gasoline and diesel
• Rotate fuel regularly (use and replace)
• Check local fire codes for quantity limits
• Inspect containers and connections regularly
• Keep fire extinguisher accessible
• Store propane tanks upright, outdoors only
• Label containers with date filled