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Safety tips offered for storing gasoline at home

Warmer weather has arrived and with it comes an array of gasoline powered tools and toys that go into use. Whether it is a lawn mower, ATV, leaf blower or boat it may use gasoline. This is a season when people often increase the volume of gasoline stored on their property, according to the Ada City-County Emergency Management office.

June is National Safety Month so here are some tips from the American Petroleum Institute on safe handling and storage of gasoline.

Store gasoline in a building separate from the house or place of occupancy, such as a shed or garage. Always keep gasoline out of reach from children.
Gasoline is a flammable liquid and should be stored away from potential heat sources such as the sun, a hot water heater, space heater or a furnace, and a least 50 feet away from ignition sources, such as pilot lights. Gasoline vapors are heavier than air and can travel along the floor to ignition sources.
Gasoline must be stored in an approved container or tank. Keep gasoline containers tightly closed and handle them gently to avoid spills.
Minor spills should be absorbed with sawdust, cat litter, paper or rags. Place recovered gasoline and cleanup materials in approved, labeled containers for proper disposal. Never dispose of spilled gasoline or cleaning materials into your garbage, drains, toilets or sewers. Call your local landfill or hazardous materials repository for proper disposal methods and collection sites.
When dispensing gasoline into a container, use only an approved portable container and place it on the ground when refueling to avoid a possible static electricity ignition of fuel vapors. Containers should never be filled while inside a vehicle or its trunk, the bed of a pickup truck or the floor of a trailer.
Fill container no more than 95 percent full to allow for expansion.
When transporting gasoline in a portable container make sure it is secured against tipping and sliding, and never leave it in direct sunlight or in the trunk of a car.
Never siphon gasoline by mouth nor put gasoline in your mouth for any reason. Gasoline can be harmful or fatal if swallowed. If someone swallows gasoline, do not induce vomiting. Contact a doctor immediately.
Use gasoline as a motor fuel only. Never use gasoline to wash your hands or as a cleaning solvent.
Turn off your vehicle engine when refueling it. Put your vehicle in park and/or set the emergency brake. Turn off any auxiliary sources of ignition such as a camper or trailer heater, cooking units or pilot lights. Do not smoke, light matches or lighters when refueling.

Limit gasoline storage
Gasoline can be stored for current vehicle or equipment needs or as part of emergency preparedness supplies. People with generators will have additional fuel needs. However, increasing the amount of fuel stored, increases the risk of fire, spills and inhalation hazards.

International Fire Code regulates the volume and methodology of gasoline storage on residential property. Gasoline may only be stored in approved containers of five gallons or less. No more than 10 gallons may be stored in total unless it is stored in a separate, approved, well marked flammable liquid storage cabinet.

National Safety Month reminder
The foremost causes of traumatic amputation in children are lawn-mower-related injuries. Please do not allow anyone younger than 12 years old to operate a push mower or anyone younger than 16 years old to operate a riding mower.