3 Tips For Storing An Emergency Fuel Supply
Access to a reliable fuel source is essential when a disaster or emergency strikes. Without functional fuel, it would be impossible to operate emergency generators or passenger vehicles. Working with a fuel company to maintain a supply of fuel as part of your emergency preparedness plan can be beneficial, but only if you are storing your spare fuel properly.
Here are three tips that you can use to ensure your emergency fuel supply will be ready to perform should disaster strike in the future.
1. Invest in regular fuel polishing.
Since you likely won't be using your emergency fuel source on a regular basis, it's important that you take measures to keep your fuel storage containers (and the fuel itself) clean. This can be done through a process known as polishing.
Fuel polishing allows for the removal of solid contaminants that can compromise the effectiveness of your fuel, while maintaining and re-suspending solid particles that aid in lubricity and BTU value. Be sure to ask the fuel company you partner with about fuel polishing services to ensure your storage tank (and the fuel within it) doesn't become contaminated over time.
2. Keep gas cans full.
Safety should always be a top priority when it comes to maintaining a viable fuel supply for emergency situations. If your spare fuel isn't safe to handle, then it is of little use to you during a disaster. In order to maintain safety, it's essential that you keep your gas cans full.
Gasoline fumes can build up inside a partially empty plastic gas container, increasing the risk of explosion or flashback when it's time to use the remaining gasoline inside these containers. Experts suggest that you always keep your gas cans at least 95% full to reduce the risk of injury storing an emergency supply of gasoline.
3. Use a fuel additive.
Gasoline can lose its potency over time, so you will need to use an additive that stabilizes your spare fuel so that it will be fit for use during an emergency. Fuel additives that extend the shelf life of various fuels are available on the market that can be added to your gasoline supply.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions when it comes to mixing ratios, place the additive in your storage container before filling with gasoline to ensure maximum integration, and you will be able to stabilize your fuel source for up to a year without losing efficacy.
Storing fuel for use during an emergency can be beneficial. Be sure that you are taking the time to polish your stored fuel regularly, keeping your storage containers full, and using a fuel additive to keep your stored fuel viable for use when the need arises. For more information on fuel, see http://www.smallandsonsoil.com or another fuel company near you.