storing gasoline

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I would like to store 20 gallons of gas in 5 gallon metal gas cans in my 4X6 covered utility trailer which I keep in garage. I also store four 5-gallon canisters of propane fuel tanks in a locker in the garage. Would this be too dangerous or since the containers are regulation, should it be OK. I figure some vehicles carry 20 gallon fuel tanks so this should not be a problem. Any experts out there with any comments? Thanks - Jeff

-- Jeff K. (jeffonob@hotmail.com), December 07, 1999

Answers

Yes Jeff, that would an acceptable way to store gas. But first, go outside to the trailer, open it, and enter the trailer. Next, take out your BIC lighter and flick it so you can see clearly in order to make sure the containers are sealed properly, then.......

-- for real (for@real.com), December 08, 1999.

Hey'a Jeff!

I'm not an expert, but if you don't get an answer here then you may wanna try the TB2000 Prep Board; they seem to have all these details worked out. I've been following this board for a couple weeks or so, and only saw the topic of gasoline come up once, regarding how to ground the containers.

I understand tin cans don't keep the gas very long, and plastic is much better. Some questions would be -- is this trailer mobile, or does it stay put? If mobile, you need to be concerned of theft. Also I wonder about sparks if the cans move around. Is the propane in metal or plastic canisters? How long before you use all this fuel, cause you may also wanna get special preservatives to extend the life. What other appliances are in your garage -- fridge, hot water heater, furnace, washer/dryer? Electric or natural gas?

Just rambling on questions experts might have before they can give you an ideal answer..

If no one here has the insights youare looking for, certainly check the prep group.

-- Hokie (nn@va.com), December 08, 1999.


Jeff, your precautions sound wise. I'll just add that while talking with him on this subject last week a fire department Captain told me to make sure that if I stored gasoline in my garage to make sure that my hot water heater is not also in the garage. If the hot water heater is stored there too ( with its exposed pilot light) Then I should store the containers somewhere else. It's not the gasoline so much as the fumes from the gasoline that can be dangerous. Take Care!

-- Tracy H (tlhaynes@bellsouth.net), December 08, 1999.

We all have to keep in mind that gasoline is an unbelievably dangerous substance to have in or around your house. I'm not sure which will kill more people this January: inexperienced gun-owners or house fires.

Gas and Propane fumes are both heavier than air, so they can collect in a basement until the aformentioned pilotlight causes you to awake one night wondering why you are flying into the night sky.

Lacking a garage, I got a tarp, covered my picnic table, and put 20 gals of gas in plastic tanks under it. Looks like a covered picnic table, not a storage shed.

-- Lewis (aslanshow@yahoo.com), December 08, 1999.


On my 30 acre rural farm, I have stored approx 1,500 gallons of diesel fuel. I am not storing gasoline. Too dangerous.

23 days.

-- Jack (jsprat@eld.~net), December 08, 1999.


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