In the event of a natural disaster, you might not have access to the gas that you need to heat your home or run other gasoline-powered appliances. Therefore, you will want to have a stockpile of gasoline where you can keep your gasoline that you need to refuel your car. When doing so, you will need to follow all safety and legal regulations.

Know the Regulations

First, look up your state requirements regarding the storing of gasoline. Since these regulations are all different and are subject to change, you should periodically look up the current gasoline storage requirements. There are usually restrictions on how much gasoline you can store on your property.

Preserve the Fuel You Have

When there is no more fuel available, not only will you have very little left, but what you will have will be degrading. You will want to use your fuel only for essential purposes until you are able to gain access to consistent amounts of gasoline.

Gasoline breaks down because the molecular bonds that hold gasoline together break down, causing the fuel to revert to a previous unusable state. If the gasoline is partially broken down, this will not affect generators as much, but it could cause a car engine to knock badly. It is common for the gasoline to break down after about six months. If you want to keep your fuel for longer, you will need to use a fuel stabilizer that will allow for your gasoline to last for several years.

Use the Right Fuel Container

Fuel containers are color coded to make sure that you do not accidentally mix two different types of fuel into a container and so that you also do not pour the wrong type of fuel into your engine. Gasoline storage containers are red, kerosene are blue and diesel are yellow. Gasoline should only be stored in a container approved for this purpose to avoid spills or leaks.

Store the Gasoline in the Right Location

The gasoline must always be stored in a cool place away from heat sources to minimize the risk of a fire. Common mistakes are to place the gasoline near a hot water heater or furnace.

Keep the Right Amount of Gasoline

The amount of gasoline that you store should be based on how much gasoline you expect to need. For example, if you need gasoline to drive your car, you will need enough to get to a location where you can refuel your take. Take this amount and double it so that you can make sure that you don't run out before reaching your destination.