Gas storage requires caution

If you plan to stock up on gasoline before the storm, follow these critical safety rules:

Don’t smoke near it!

Store in an approved, properly labeled metal or plastic, tightly capped safety container made specifically for gasoline. Never store gasoline in glass or in non-reusable plastic containers such as milk jugs.

Keep out of children’s sight and reach. Children should never handle gasoline.

Never store in your home. Store outside, in a garage or lawn shed.

Don’t store near a grill or a fuel-burning appliance, such as a natural gas water heater in a garage.

Do not store near possible ignition sources such as electrical devices, oil- or gas-fired appliances, or devices that contain a pilot flame or a spark.

Fill containers outdoors only. Place container on the ground before filling. Never fill containers inside a vehicle or in the bed of a pickup.

Always keep cans tightly closed.

Clean up spills promptly and discard clean-up materials properly.

If a fire starts while handling gas, it’s best not to try to put it out. Leave the area immediately, and call for help. If you do try to extinguish a small fire, do not throw water on it. Try to smother it with sand or cat litter.

Don’t fill cans until right before the storm. Stored fuel will grow stale and is unsafe in a hot garage.

Sources: Consumer Product Safety Commission, National Fire Protection Association