Do you know why many preppers consider fuel storage for emergencies an important aspect in preparing for the inevitable? From the moment you wake up to a table laden with delicious breakfast to the moment you step out bound for work, you are virtually consuming fuel to satisfy your needs and that of the whole family. When disaster strikes, fuel pit stops are usually the first ones to cease from operating due to safety concerns. Before this happens, it is important to ask yourself– is your home ready for a fuel crisis threat?
Safety Precautions
Before picking just any fuel storage for emergencies in the nearby hardware store, it is essential to consider the following points:
- Appropriate color coding for fuel storage
- Types of fuel needed
- Volume of fuel to store
- Safe storage area
- Portability
You will need fuel to cook food, power a generator, run a car, operate a cooling/heating system, and so on. Though considered one of the culprits in the rising case of global warming, these nonrenewable sources are deemed necessary by men to live a convenient life. When storing fuel, however, it is also important to follow standard color codes– gasoline/red, kerosense/blue, diesel/yellow, and propane/white (or green in some portable stove types)– for safety. Be reminded that accidentally mixing fuels can prove to be lethal. Deciding on the volume of fuel to store is also important– and often, dependent on your usual requirements and the storage area available. To increase lifespan of your fuel, add a stabilizer like Sta-Bil. Keep in mind, too, that fuel must be stored in a clean dry and well-ventilated space, away from sight or reach of children.
Top Fuel Storage for Emergencies
When it comes to choosing portable storage for fuel, portability must also be emphasized. An easy-to-carry storage container allows you plenty of legroom to bring along wherever the bug out area will be. To get you started, here are top portable fuel storage picks from Amazon.
1. Red is for Gasoline.
Briggs&Stratton 5-Gal Gasoline Container
You will need gasoline to run a car or a generator. This 5-gallon can from Briggs & Stratton is just perfect to store much-needed gasoline to run a car or any medium to large sized equipment like a generator. It comes with a smart-fill spout operated via easy twist-anchor-push mechanism thereby keeping fuel and fumes contained inside the container. Each container is also EPA and CARB compliant.Do check out the illustrated instructions and the video tutorial for proper usage and storage.
2. BLUE is for Kerosene
Briggs&Stratton 5-Gal Kerosene Container
One of the most versatile hydrocarbons, kerosene is often used for cooking and for bug out lighting in the prepper arena. This makes the Briggs & Stratton 5-gal Kerosene Can an excellent addition to your arsenal of fuel storage for emergencies. Still designed with smart-fill leak-proof twist-anchor-push operated spout, it keeps both fuel and fumes contained while ensuring non-entry of dust and other contaminants. Easy to pour and refill, it is also EPA and CARB compliant across 50states in the US.
3. Yellow is for Diesel.
Briggs&Stratton 5-Gal Diesel Container
Many vehicles, equipment and machinery needed to run a home or a bug out camp is run on diesel. Considered one of the long lasting and safest fuels, diesel can be stored for approximately two years with the aid of a stabilizer. For safety, this leak-proof EPA and CARB compliant Briggs&Stratton 5-gal diesel container comes handy in time of emergency. Still possessing the same design and mechanisms as the previous 2 containers, this will make a great addition to your prepping arsenal, too.
4. White is for Propane or LPG– and is used for cooking!
Flame King Refillable Propane Cylinder With Refill Kit
Of course, you will need to eat in order to survive while bugging out or staying in an off-grid abode. With this, you will need a refillable propane (LPG) cylinder tank handy. This Flame King Refillable Propane Cylinder comes with a refill kit. Legally refillable, portable, and designed with a patented valve design, it guarantees safety when used as well as when stored. Now, you can save more money by buying a refillable tank instead of buying a disposable one. This also makes a great companion when camping.
Important Considerations
Without a doubt, these fuel storage for emergencies are excellent addition to your prepping arsenal. It allows you plenty of staying power on the road during a moment of civil unrest or keeping a bug out property running when natural disaster strikes. Do remember to “rotate” your fuel on an annual basis. Experts further advice to fill and refill these containers during winter for better results. In everything else, be prepared.