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Blackout continuity · Fuel strategy · continuity-6Site the fuel store and handle fuel safely
Where and how you store and pour fuel matters as much as how much you have. Plan one ventilated, outdoor store away from the house and from ignition sources.
How
- Agree the store location with the safety module (safety-7). HSE asks that a non-outdoor store has a direct exit to open air and ventilation, with precautions against heat and ignition.
- Keep large above-ground fuel tanks well away from buildings. Maine Extension suggests at least 40 feet (about 12 m) for farm fuel tanks; local codes may differ.
- Refuel engines outdoors, engine off and cooled. OSHA's chainsaw guidance asks for refuelling at least 10 feet (about 3 m) from ignition sources.
- Bond containers to each other and earth the one you pour from when transferring fuel, to control static (Maine Extension).
- Keep a suitable extinguisher near, not inside, the store. The Utah example asks for a 2A10BC extinguisher once petrol exceeds 5 gallons, placed 10 to 50 feet from storage.
- Keep vegetation and rubbish clear around the store (see safety-4 for wildfire zones).
Safety: Never refuel a hot or running engine. Spilled petrol on a hot exhaust can ignite.
Do these first
Sources
- If you store petrol at home, or at a club/association or similar premises. Health and Safety Executive (UK), accessed 2026-11
- Bulletin 2290: Farm Fuel Safety. University of Maine Cooperative Extension, accessed 2026-11
- Chain saw safety fact sheet. US Occupational Safety and Health Administration, accessed 2026-11
- Home fuel storage limits (based on the 2012 International Fire Code). Lehi City Fire Department, Utah, accessed 2026-11