How to Safely Store Popular Emergency Fuels

[@richardelliott9511]

I am revisiting this video after first viewing it about 9 months ago. I am happy to say that I have moved all but minimal amounts of fuel out of my house into far safer places out side. I still have a couple of issues to solve but have come a long way. Thanks to all that contributed ideas !

[@brucejohnson1264]

About 10 years ago we had a major storm take out the power for about 2 weeks. There was gas available, but it was an hour drive away. The problem was the availability of gas cans to carry it, not so much the fuel itself. If you don't have a safe place to store 10-20 cans of fuel, just buy a bunch of cans and store them empty. In an emergency, fuel will likely be available somewhere, and as long as you have the cans, you can go get it.

[@ngonigriffith8856]

Thanks for the video! I was storing small propane tanks in a foam container in the garage. Now I know it needs ventilation.

[@richardelliott9511]

Thanks for the tips. I have a variety of fuels stored in my detatched shed but am realizing that with the door closed (which it seldom seems to be) there isn't enough ventalation. One of my springtime chores will be to add some vents, both high and low. These should also help to keep the summertime temps in the shed at a safer level. I have also heard that propane and butane bottles are more likely to leak if they are left installed in their respective devises. So I disconnect and recap the fuel canisters when not in use. I do love the ventilated deckbox idea. Safe storage outside of a building but also out of the sight of prysing eyes!

[@SteveD12]

The deck box idea is great! I just picked up a bunch of the Coleman 1lb propane canisters and came here to find out where to safely store them, thanks!

[@cbass2755]

Man…just in time. I have those small propane tanks, stored in my back bedroom….yikes!!! They are now in my detached garage safety on the shelf. I thought keeping them in the house was better choice b/c of our cold winters and hot summers here in Michigan. But…let them blow in the garage, not my home! Oh jezz….thank God I lived to learn!! Thank you for this video!!!

[@benton-benton]

@@TheProvidentPrepper What about the brass caps that can be put on those 1 lb cylinders? Do they help? I put the cylinders in the breezeway. Is that ok? I'm worried about all the temperature changes and humidity changes because b'way is unheated. Garage attached. Small lot in city. What about a ventilated/insulated dog house to keep them in the yard? No dogs, but I have cat :-). Thanks!

[@JonathanBJones]

@@benton-benton Not too familiar with the brass caps, but sounds like a good ideas to help keep things clean and protected. along the lines of the dog house, lots of people use the plastic deck benches or boxes. They are a good solution that somewhat moderates temperatures. If that can be in a shaded area, that is best. I am excited that you are finding solutions...keep up the progress...let us know if we can help. Thanks for being part of the solution!

[@NewHampshireJack]

Often overlooked is the fuel tank in your vehicle. Keep your automobiles tank topped off and you have instant emergency storage. My preference, especially here in the Philippines, is diesel fuel but gasoline will also work. Most modern vehicles have restrictions in the fuel filler neck that prevent the easy siphoning of fuel. Often you can defeat that simply by using a smaller diameter tubing for your siphon hose. Practice pre-need to be sure you can remove fuel from your vehicle. In the course of our business, we recently took possession of an almost new Toyota WIGO gasoline powered car. My wife will be driving that as it is easy to maneuver and park. If she keeps that vehicle topped off, there will be up to 33 liters of fresh fuel to get us past a short term power outage. Even if we can only access say 6 of the 8 + gallons of fuel in the tank, that will run an efficient little Honda gen-set for a decent amount of time and or fuel a multi-fuel cook-stove. There will be no need to even think about lighting off a larger diesel gen-set until we are sure the power will be out for an extended period of time. Make no mistake that diesel (and kerosene) are far and away safer than gasoline.

[@richardelliott9511]

Absolutely the gas in your car shouldn't be overlooked. Most cars can idle for a couple of days on a full tank which can make the car a valuble lifeboat to warm you up or with a/c, cool you down in bad weather. Also 12 to 120volt inverters are pretty cheap these days, certainly cheaper than an equivalent gas generator, and when hooked up to your car can provide a valuble source of power. During our last power outage my 2000watt inverter was able to supply enough electricty to save the food in our 2 fridges and a chest freezer by rotating them individually through it with plenty of gas to spare. These days you'll probably spend more on the heavy extention cords needed than the inverter itself.

[@leoninewoman]

Yikes! It's been 104F in Southern Arizona, I have 3 cans of butane in a storage tub in the back of my van. Bad idea? Thanks for sharing! Liked, subscribed and shared!

[@leoninewoman]

@@TheProvidentPrepper Arg! I had to put it back in the house at least until I am ready to hit the road, then, Idunno? Reflectix in a crate with ice chips? I need to find a cooler place to hang out!

[@wanaraz]

Should a gas can be stored with the lid tight and the vent closed?

[@MosaicHomestead]

It was a good video,but ithink your wrong about white gas or camper fuel as shown in your video... I have used 8year old camper fuel in my Coleman pump lanterns without any problems...My next project will be building my fuel storage shed...by the way, I finally put up my 10,000 gallon rain harvesting video with the 12v pumping system that works on wind and solar.

[@rghall57]

I refuel my car or truck when it gets to 50%. That way I always have at least half a tank of gas.

[@cbass2755]

Me too. I never go below half if I can help it.

[@beckhamzhang4805]

Can you store the 5 gallon gas can in the garage? Thank you.

[@m.b.g.2235]

I have the butane canasters stored in our basement. If I take to our outdoor shed it will be cold in winter and hot in summer.

[@m.b.g.2235]

@@TheProvidentPrepper .. I have 12 canisters. No caps on any of them. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you.

[@m.b.g.2235]

@@TheProvidentPrepper ..p.s. I live in Maine.

[@davidgates1887]

Take your fuel ahead use Adobe on the outside of building and a vent that openes automatically

[@sharondesfor4112]

I would be interested in a review of the safety, usability, and empty storage of the Flame King refillable 1 pound fuel canister. Please???

[@sharondesfor4112]

Particularly whether they should be stored full, like gas tanks, or empty.

[@TarryLordTarry]

I'm an apartment dweller. My apt gets hot during the summer. I have no choice but to store butane and kerosene inside. The kerosene isn't sold year round here in lower NY. Our gas stations don't sell it either. So I have to catch it when Lowes has it during the High Holidays. Which is basically now. Edit: Ok over 122 degrees. I'm giving away the propane...I buy the 4pk wrapped butane in plastic wrap from the Korean Supermarket. Should I take them out of the plastic?

[@TarryLordTarry]

@@TheProvidentPrepper I hear ya. The haves and the have nots. Either we have space or we don't.

[@JonathanBJones]

If you are still wanting to explore the possibilities, connect with us on our contact page...sounds like you have a difficult situation. You may consider using different fuels with less potential for problems. Define what fuels you need for which purposes and see if there are safer option. We'd love to help explore possibilities. Thanks for being part of the solution!

[@alicesigford7459]

Amen

[@Random_How-tos]

Can I store my gas cans in a deck box with fans blowing cool air in an out

[@hillbillyshorthair]

Diesel doesn't gel if you put the right additives in it. Also less flammable and cheaper to get if you get farm fuel.

[@alicesigford7459]

Thanks you for let us know

[@moonlander9012]

I've been looking at numerous videos and online articles about how to safely store propane and butane canisters, and I still don't know where to put them! This has been the most frustrating research quest of my life. You always just hear "store in a well ventilated area, not too hot and not too cold, don't store inside, don't store outside, blablabla" - well then where am I supposed to store them?! None of the videos and articles ever give practical examples of where to put them, it's infuriating!!

[@moonlander9012]

@@TheProvidentPrepper Thanks for the reply! I live in an apartment (Oregon), which I realize makes it somewhat more difficult to store propane. We do have a balcony, which is where I'm planning on potentially storing a full tank. I was thinking I could install some privacy screens and pitch a tarp or something to create a shady area for the tank to sit under, for the hot summer months that are coming (last Summer it went up to almost 120 degrees). We also have a storage unit in the basement, but it's a closed off area so I heard that wouldn't be a good idea for a number of reasons. I was also planning on storing some of the small propane cans on the balcony alongside the tank. Would that approach be safe you think?

[@JonathanBJones]

@@moonlander9012 Hey Moonlander 90...it is a challenging problem. First, what are you using the propane for...cooking, heating, running a generator?? Is there a way to meet your prepping needs without propane? If not, I really like the deck box idea, especially a white or light colored deck box. This would do a good job of moderating the temperatures. It would be "furniture" that you could sit on. If the box isn't vented, I would try to add some venting to the bottom or near the bottom on the sides to allow any leakage (hopefully none) to naturally dissipate. If you could add a shade cloth on a frame, that would further moderate temperatures and provide a shaded place to enjoy your balcony. And, If you could reasonably add a spray mist to the system (might be hard to get a water supply unless it is right near your sink), that would make it even better. Not terribly worried about the freezing temperature if you have them...the bottles can tolerate the cold fairly well. These kinds of issues can make prepping challenging, and yet we have to do the best we can and find creative solutions. Another potential solution would be to have friends that have a shed or other better situation store some fuel for you. Hope this helps...don't hesitate to connect back if you want to further the conversation. Thanks for being part of the solution!

[@dialecticalmonist3405]

So far, after hours and days of searching the internet, all I have regarding kerosine storage is, well ventilated and cool area, keep away from buildings, kerosine goes right through plastic containers, 5 year shelf life, evaporates in two years, rotate every year, it's not dangerous, it's dangerous, a match won't light it, heat will light it, it smells, it doesn't smell, don't lite it indoors, don't use indoors, use indoors, it burns clean, safe for indoor use, it creates dangerous carbon monoxide, only store in metal so it doesn't evaporate, store in the plastic blue containers, store in the barn, store in the garage, store in the shed, do not expose to heat, it will last a long time, it won't last very long, the barrel might leak, use the right metal, I bought the barrels for $20 at a sale on the side of the road, make sure the barrels are good quality, it will store indefinitely. After all of these hours of research, I have a faint idea that there is a particular metal barrel that it should be stored in, but I still don't know specifically what kind.

[@dialecticalmonist3405]

@@TheProvidentPrepper What if I put the heater inside the fireplace? I can't obtain mass amounts of firewood in my location, and I heard someone say a gallon of kerosine contains more energy than a wheelbarrel of firewood.

[@412foto]

but where do you store if you live in an apartment?

[@TheProvidentPrepper]

You can’t. Use something safe like safe heat. kzbin.info/www/bejne/m4OQqoOZerN0Z9ksi=RsyL9BMxNcSKVAUC

[@ldsnurse9268]

Can I ask where you guys are located?

[@ldsnurse9268]

That’s what I thought. Lots of great KZbinrs here. Just subscribed. Great info.

[@bc24roxy4]

i have a gas generator but I am just not comfortable storing gas. So right now it will be of no help to me. I live on a very small lot. I guess I could put a small shed somewhere in the yard. I store the butane and propane in my garage oops guess that's not safe either, it's a detached garage. I have lots of shade..the deck box would work great for me. Storing alcohol makes me more nervous than storing gas, really it is safer? Guess I have some changes to make in my way of emergency cooking. I don't have an alcohol burning camp stove, it has always made me nervous. Thanks so much for this. You guys are so good!!!

[@bc24roxy4]

@@TheProvidentPrepper I have charcoal and wood stored for my brick rocket stove. and I have Sterno, is that same thing as safe heat? I got that to use for my portable camp stove for use inside if needed, But I bought the butane stoves and butane for cooking inside. Thought I did my homework but I didn't know about the cans deteriorating. I wanted different sources not just one. I do have an old cooler that I could drill holes in the sides for ventilation for the butane.I bought 2 large cases thinking it was safe to store in garage. I have been looking at solar chargers for months watching all the reviews and can't figure out what i need...they confuse me..You guys are great. Thanks for the good info,

[@JonathanBJones]

Hey Beth...I really like the solar power systems. They can be a bit pricey, but safely use the sun to provide energy. They are also silent and quietly do their job. Most rooftop systems these days are grid-tied, meaning you don't have access to the power in an outage. However, some companies will provide some back-up capability if you want it. If you choose that option, make sure you know what you are getting. You can also create you own stand alone system (you can do it yourself with some learning, or can hire a solar contractor). I am also a huge fan of portable power banks. These are basically a storage battery (usually lithium technology) that can be charged using household power and/or are charged using solar panels. Using the built-in invertor, you can then power medical equipment, lights etc. Some of the larger power banks can even run your fridge or freezer if the power bank has enough capacity and you have enough solar panels to recharge the bank. The critical thing you need to understand is how much energy you need for critical loads and how much energy the power bank can provide. You must allow for some days that my not provide any or much solar energy. I know it can be pretty confusing and frustrating to sort out all the information. Think about what your needs would be and connect with us on our contact page. I can then give you more guidance. Thanks for being part of the solution!

[@bc24roxy4]

@@JonathanBJones Don't want the roof top solar option. Very hard to find a company you can trust and they will put a lien on your house. in real estate and have to deal with solar companies when people are trying to sell their homes. Some are nightmares. I have been looking at the Kodiak and the Echoflow and have learned even being charged with solar they only have like 2000 charges and then the battery doesn't charge anymore? Do not understand that part and it is a lot of money for something that isn't going to last a lifetime. And when they start talking wattage, out put, in put..they lose me. My gas generator can run my frig that is most critical my great granddaughter's medication has to stay refrigerated but not comfortable with storing gas, but I can always get a small type frig for that and use a solar generator but not sure which one. I have been reading about solar chargers for the past 8mths and have not learned a thing. I will go to your contact page and thank you for helping me be part of the solution!!!

[@JonathanBJones]

@@bc24roxy4 Hey Beth...just checking in with you. I hope you are finding a solution that works for you. It can be complicated, but let us know if we can help sort it out. You are part of the Solution! Thanks!

[@bc24roxy4]

@@JonathanBJones Wow how nice of you to remember me. So funny that you asked today as my solar generator/battery was just delivered yesterday. I was making it more complicated than it needed to be. I made a list of everything that I would want power for in an extended power outage and then started researching and watching revies videos on the 3 that could meet those needs. I ended up getting the new Bluetti AC200P 2000W. Bit pricey but I have been saving for a long long time and making sacrifices on non-necessities to be able to get what I wanted. Got the FD first though!!! It will even run my frig for a cple hours if needed but I will use the gas one for that. I am now looking for a small frig for my granddaughters medication that is mostly what I would need the frig for in an extended power outage, the Bluetti will be able to handle that. I want to steer away from having to use the gas generator. Thanks again. So grateful you are on youtube.

[@chucksmith9280]

The larger propane tanks do need to be hydrostatic tested every 10 years. Or do swap rather than refill every few years.

[@RCooke357]

Hi, what is the best way to store gasoline if you live in an apartment and the weather is hot and humid?

[@ericmann1781]

Try to find out your local city hall and/or fire dep for resources on local regulations for such things, there are surely legal conditions on the size, storage and total quantities, better to know either way. If allowed I would still be paranoid considering it's insane flammability and probably end up with a good DIY idea. One could build an all weather box (like a compact deck box) with fire treated wood to decrease the level of flames in the event of a fire, painted in white fire resistant paint to absorb the least amount of sunlight/heat possible and then an exterior topcoat to weatherproof it that's compatible with which ever paint used, from what I've seen the same brand usually has both. Gaps between the 1*4's could be done on the front and sides for airflow and some white fiberglass screen stapled around it for bugs. Also to keep the box in shade and to protect it further from debris or cigarettes from a neighbor from above, attach some plywood equal to the height of the fence (higher than the box) and width of the box plus a few more inches as well as the side depending on where the sunlight hits (between the box and the fence as one should keep the containers as far from the house/wall as possible) and another piece above the box to hide/cover it with from the sun and to protect from said cigarette risk, and so that now even though painted in white, it remains in the shade. Since in this scenario one would leave the tank vents open to avoid expansion problems in days of extreme heat, the gasoline should be cycled so it doesn't go bad from expanding too often and absorbing water vapor in high humidity as well, only problem is this makes it remain a threat as a fire hazard, which I suppose is one of the reasons why it's considered to be such a fire hazard to begin with. Also important to note, where I am for example we aren't allowed to BBQ in the front as per our lease, and the person above me doesn't smoke so there that much less of a risk from cigarettes being tossed down and having wind blow it anywhere near the tank(s) or having any sort of intense vapors during a seriously hot day ignite from a lit cigarette if it somehow magically flew and zigzagged perfectly right next to the box, since that exactly how every "freak" accident happens. This is why we would build cover to protect the box accordingly. You can't be home 24/7 forever to deal with a fire if it happens. Also important to note, gasoline fire is a class B fire so don't use water, use foam, powder, or carbon dioxide extinguishers, keep 1 or more on the wall right near the door to your balcony. Plenty of nice ideas on google images you can find for designs for a deck box, just modify the size and add ventilation as required. Better to make one even if local regulations don't "require" it imo since better safe than sorry. You don't want to be that jack off on the news that helped get your building burned down and neighbors killed because of another jack off neighbor flicking lit cigarettes off their balcony. You also don't want lit gasoline dripping down onto someone's propane bbq downstairs, I guess sand around the box? But yeah, find out first.

[@fubarnow8907]

Good info

[@MMKLYH]

See how butane has a boiling point of -2 degrees what happens when someone has there butane bottle outside and in winter when it actually reaches this temperature

[@atlwolf3]

It won't vaporize, hence nothing will come out of the butane can. People who camp in cold weather know this and have to put the propane/butane canister in their sleeping bag at night or they won't have hot coffee in the morning.

[@debralpateart8862]

I bought a 12 pack of butane fore a counter top stove. I have put it on the gas grill side shelf and it's all covered with a plastic grill cover. Located on my small deck off living room. Does not get direct sun. It still worries me.

[@debralpateart8862]

I don't use the gas grill.

[@debralpateart8862]

I'm in Michigan and it will get very cold, below zero in the winter. I don't have another building to store it in and I'm thinking of returning it to Amazon and just having one here in house.

[@janp7660]

I thought storing butane tanks in the basement was a good idea. Now I don't know where to store them. In Ohio so cold winter. Now what do I do?

[@debralpateart8862]

I don't feel safe keeping 12 inside. Mine are on my outdoor balcony. I'm hoping if bring one inside to use and let it warm it will work.

[@finncraigie9537]

is it alright to store a butane canister in a steel safe?

[@JonathanBJones]

That is an interesting question...and one that I had to think about for a while. The plusses of the safe is that they typically moderate the temperature. Between the steel and the insulation, the inside temperature will swing less than the actual temperatures. That is good. It also doesn't provide the oxygen that would be needed to sustain a fire. The only downside I see is that if there were a leak (which is rare, especially if the cylinders are kept rotated... the seals age over time), and if the seal on the door is tight enough that the vapors are contained, and if by opening the safe, a spark was somehow created, you could have an explosion. That is a bunch of "ifs" that could happen, but probably not likely. Overall, I would not be too concerned about it, but I would be aware when opening the safe to do it gently and slowly and be aware of any odors coming from the safe. I would also consult your home insurance company to see if there would be a problem from their perspective. Interesting question...Thanks for being part of the solution!

[@paulpugh2480]

Do not transport gasoline inside of the car or truck, if you have a trailer hitch, then purchase a platform that will fit into the receiver of your trailer hitch to transport gasoline cans on. Never inside the vehicle.

[@dialecticalmonist3405]

I still have no idea how to store kerosene. "The blue container" is simply not enough information.

[@alicesigford7459]

Thanks you you for till me

[@paulpugh2480]

Do not transport gasoline inside of the car or truck, if you have a trailer hitch, then purchase a platform that will fit into the receiver hope your trailer hitch to transport gasoline cans on. Never inside the vehicle.

[@fdk9365]

Old but shouldnt you also not use electronics at a gas station or look away while fueling 🧐

[@dlee3710]

Keep the tin foil on your head!

[@stephenjackman6163]

The risks are very obscure, way overstated risks. Just use common sense, and approved sealed gas cans. Never ask the local government ANYTHING about what’s legal.

[@davidgates1887]

Vacuum seal your Britain

[@joebob7344]

A lot of unnecessary talk,really bogus