Fuel comes in many forms from liquids like gasoline, kerosene, and ethanol, to solids like wood, coal, and charcoal, and gaseous forms like butane and propane. When attempting to survive a major disaster like a hurricane, earthquake, or large scale Zombie attack or outbreak, access to a reliable fuel source will be paramount to your survival.
While each type of fuel requires specific methods for safe storage and handling, we recommend storing at least two types whenever possible. We’ve compiled a detailed list of some of the most commonly found and used types of fuel for emergencies and preparedness below.
General Rules: Regardless of the type of fuel, store it away from open flame, sparks, and other potential igniters. Always use clearly marked safety approved containers for storage, and always handle fuel with care, regardless of the type.
LIQUID FUEL
Gasoline: Used as a fuel source for millions of devices, and found nearly the whole world over, gasoline is relatively easy to come by… until everyone in the neighborhood goes looking for it at the same time.
Gasoline: Used as a fuel source for millions of devices, and found nearly the whole world over, gasoline is relatively easy to come by… until everyone in the neighborhood goes looking for it at the same time.
Most gasoline has a shelf-life of between 30-90 days before it begins to expire. Expired Gasoline, takes on a most astringent smell, thickens, and works poorly. Using expired gasoline can also lead to problems with equipment and motors; so it should be avoided whenever possible. Adding a stabilizer like AMSOIL or STA-BIL can help to extend the shelf life of gasoline by double or more. And as with any fuel type, you will need to rotate your stock, using the oldest of your sources first.
Most municipalities limit the amount of gasoline you can legally store to about 25 gallons, so make sure to check in on the local laws before parking a tanker in your backyard. And regardless of the law, don’t store more than you can use before it spoils.. there’s no point in having what you wont be able to use.
Gasoline weighs about 6.2 pounds per gallon, so distributing it between multiple containers of 5 gallons or less can mean the difference between remaining mobile or not.
Diesel: Just like gasoline, diesel can be sourced from a number of engines, machines, and locales. But unlike gasoline, this slightly less volatile alternative doesn’t degrade as quickly and can be stored for up a year without the addition of a stabilizer. If and when additives are used, diesel can remain shelf stable for up to 10 years or more.
Diesel contaminated with water, typically occurring from condensation, can cause thickening and the growth of algae. Adding a biocide to diesel can help prevent algae growth, but it’s best to keep it in a full well sealed container to eliminate water contamination in the first place. Running diesel fuel through a coffee filter before use can help remove any sediments or algae that may have built up over time.
Bio Diesel: Classified as an “alternative fuel”, bio biesel is a clean burning renewable fuel source that can be refined from vegetable oils, animal fats, and/or waste greases such as fryer oil. Usable with little or no modifications in regular diesel engines, this alternative to petroleum based diesel, is easy to use, bio-degradable, and non-toxic.
Generally speaking, bio diesel should be stored in much the same way as petroleum based diesel. Keep your stores in a clean, dark, dry place, avoiding temperature extremes whenever possible. Your storage receptacle should be made of steel, stainless steel, aluminum, teflon, fluorinated polyethylene, or fluorinated polypropylene. Kept away from moisture and other contaminates, bio diesel can be stored for years without going sour, but you’ll know by the presence of a rancid smell if something has gone wrong.
Alcohol (Ethanol): This extremely clean-burning and 100% renewable resource is often sourced from Corn, which can produce up to 300 gallons per acre. While not as versatile as bio-diesel, this alternative to fossils fuels can be used with a number of camp stoves, heat sources, and other small cooking devices… plus it would make a great Molotov.
Unlike most other fuels, pure Ethanol can be stored for years without losing it’s potency… as long as it’s kept in a cool, dry place, in an ethanol tolerant container like a gas can or grounded steel tank. Highly concentrated Ethanol, the kind most commonly used for fuel, is meant for burning, not for boozing.
Kerosene: Commonly used in cooking, heating, torches, lanterns, and other types of lighting, kerosene is widely used and readily available all across the world.
Just like diesel and bio diesel, kerosene can suffer from bacterial growth if left untreated. But stored in an airtight container and kept away from both heat and moisture, you should be able to store kerosene safely for a number of years. You can check the condition of your kerosene by siphoning off a bit from the bottom of our container/heater/etc. and letting it settle. The fuel should be clear in color and contain no contaminates of any kind.
Kerosene must be kept in approved kerosene specific containers only. Used containers such as gasoline cans, milk jugs, and oil drums, can degrade the fuel and/or cause unwanted levels of combustion.
SOLID FUEL
Wood: As far as solid fuels go, wood is by far the most widely used across the planet. Capable of being used as fuel for cooking, heating, lighting, powering steam powered devices, etc., wood is a versatile and readily found source in most situations… even if it doesn’t always come in the form of a tree.
Wood: As far as solid fuels go, wood is by far the most widely used across the planet. Capable of being used as fuel for cooking, heating, lighting, powering steam powered devices, etc., wood is a versatile and readily found source in most situations… even if it doesn’t always come in the form of a tree.
In addition to seasoned firewood and fallen branches, you can use furniture, pallets, building materials, etc. as fuel. When using recycled materials, or those not originally meant for burning, be careful of glues, water-proofing, and other chemical treatments that can off-gas while burning.
Despite popular belief, covering firewood with a tarp can actually lead to a build up of moisture… making the wood difficult to light and more prone to rot. Store wood by stacking it outdoors and off the ground in a cool dry place, that allows plenty of air circulation and protection from the elements. You can use an open ended roofed shelter to keep the elements off, but the air still flowing.
Wood fuels tend to attract both insects and rot. To keep these unwanted irritations at bay, wood fuels should be stored no less than 30 feet from your home.
Charcoal: Often used in briquette form with barbecues, fire pits, and rocket stoves; charcoal works extremely well as a cooking and heating fuel… though you’re likely to get a little sooty when using it. Charcoal is highly efficient, burning cleaner than both wood and coal, and it is even capable of reaching temperatures hot enough to melt iron.
The main concern when storing charcoal is to keep it from getting wet and/or absorbing moisture. Keeping it stored in a metal container or plastic tub can help keep the moisture at bay, and make the briquettes a little easier to access. As long as you keep everything dry and away from open flame it is perfectly safe to store Charcoal in your home.
When stored properly, charcoal has a nearly indefinite shelf life… this makes it one of the most stable fuel sources available today.
Coal: Though is burns longer and hotter than wood, it often comes at the cost of major environmental damages and can be quite dangerous to mine.
Because it’s nonporous and wont absorb water, coal doesn’t have to be stored indoors, but having it close at hand is beneficial. While you don’t have to worry about keeping it dry, handling wet coal isn’t a very clean task. We recommend that, just like charcoal, you store coal in a metal or plastic bin for ease of use and access.
Coal has been around for millions of years, and it will be for millions more. You will never need to worry about this fuel source going bad.
GASEOUS FUEL
Propane: Readily available in many parts of the world, propane has proven to be a popular and reliable fuel source for heating, cooking, lighting, and more. Propane is available in a number of canister sizes, and when kept in good condition, you can refill an empty tank as needed.
Propane: Readily available in many parts of the world, propane has proven to be a popular and reliable fuel source for heating, cooking, lighting, and more. Propane is available in a number of canister sizes, and when kept in good condition, you can refill an empty tank as needed.
Propane tanks must be stored upright and off the ground in a well-ventilated outdoor area away from heat sources, direct sunlight, rain, and snow. Similar to coal, propane has an indefinite shelf life… as long as you remember to check the valve so it doesn’t all leak away.
Butane – Less popular than some other fuels, butane still remains widely used for lighters, backpacking stoves, and other small fire starters. Butane can be found in pressurized containers at most stores that sell camping and backpacking supplies. It is relativity cheap and considerably efficient when coupled with good hardware.
Butane canisters should be stored in cool dry places out of direct sunlight and away from any sources of extreme heat such as a heaters and open flame.
A Final Note: Always handle, transfer, use, and store combustibles carefully… regardless of the type of combustible you’re handling or storing. Clearly mark all fuel and fuel containers with a clear description of the contents and a “flammable” warning. Follow all local and state laws for handling and storage of fuel and other combustibles, and regardless of the type of fuel or the source you may be getting it from, always make safety your first priority.
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