I've read the archives and would be comforted by some specific answers. I mentioned before that I have access to a 100-gallon farm fuel tank--the rectangular kind that sits on the back of a pickup and is powered by the pick-up's battery. I do not get the pickup--just the tank, so the tank would be stored on the ground. We live in a small town (pop<2000) with very close neighbors and with several small children in the neighborhood. My hubby is planning to use the attached pump by connecting it to one of our vehicles. Is this safe? "Kablooie" would be a BIG problem to us as well as neighbors. So, my questions are 1)How do we fill it safely? 2)How do we store it safely? 3)How do we utilize the gasoline safely? Keep in mind that it is VERY dry in our area with lots of static electricity lately! And my neighbors were out burning leaves in the alley this weekend about 50 feet from the tank. I want gasoline for our generator, but first I would like to be alive to use it! The plus side to y2k? If KABLOOIE did happen, the court system will be too messed up for a wrongful-death suit to get through (the one my neighbors may bring against me!) Ok ok -- excuse the morbid sense of humor, but with so little time left...any sense of humor is a blessing!

-- Solomon (%%@%%%.com), November 14, 1999

Answers

Solomon, I have a diesel generator and I have both a 1000 gallon as well as a 400 gallon fuel tank, along with an additional twenty 55 gallon barrels of fuel stored. I am on a rural 30 acres. However, I only store diesel fuel, I would not attempt to store gasoline, I believe that it is just too dangerous to fool with. One inadvertant spark could very much ruin one's day.

I know that people do store gasoline, but you really have to be careful.

-- Jack (jsprat@eld.~net), November 14, 1999.

You can elevate the tank and let gravity do the work or you can go to a farm supply store and buy a hand pump. A pump with a crank-type handle works quite well--we use them at work.

-- Sam Mcgee (weissacre@gwtc.net), November 14, 1999.

We have spent our lives driving trucks with such tanks sitting up against the cab. Yes...I guess it could go Kablooie. But so can the tanks built into the trucks. Ever taken a look at the strength of them and their locations?? You fill the tank by crawling up into the truck, unscrewing the pump and putting the gas knozzle into it and filling. Screw the pump back on and you are ready to go. Yes...you need to be careful re static electricity. Most of us are carrying diesel fuel around in our tanks and the kablooie factor is a lot less. If this tank is to be stationary at home, you will need to get it up off the ground a few inches for moisture prevention and you will have to take gas cans to the station to fill and bring home and pour into the tank. Don't forget your preservative. A petrol dealer is not allowed to fill barrels. At least in Florida. In fact that is Chubby Hubby's job tomorrow is to fill all vechicles and tractor and then barrels with what is left in the tank. Then I can call and have them come out and fill the tank up.

Taz

-- Taz (Taz@aol.com), November 14, 1999.

Gasoline does not expolode. The fumes can. So keep it full and make sure there are no leaks and you should be fine. I have the fuel delivered. Check in the yellow pages under Gasoline Wholesale. The wholesaler may also sell the tanks as Farm Kits. If so, they should be able to tell you how to install it so it's safe.

-- anonymous (anonymous@anonymous.com), November 14, 1999.

Solomon: SOmething to consider; I would first find a secure area for the tank, then clear away all trash and get down to dirt. Get some concrete blocks and place then down as a small wall around the tank about two feet away and taller than the tank... Also get a ground rod and drive that into the ground close to the tank with a copper wire 10gauge. So static will travel thru the ground wire first. Filling the tank should be filled if by hand, have a large funnel so no spillage. Also I would place bushes around the tank so it will not stand out in your area. Place a potted plant on top of the tank if you keep the 12 volt pump on the tank,so it will cover and hide it. Also put sand around the tank about 6" deep. That will absorbe any spillage and possible fumes... Furie...

-- Furie (furieart@dnet.net), November 14, 1999.