Preparedness
Reevaluate Your Gasoline Needs Before the Next Crisis Hits
In the event of a major disruption, gasoline is likely to be one of the first resources to become scarce. This raises a crucial question: how much emergency gasoline should you actually have on hand?
To start, it’s essential to consider your current gasoline consumption. Americans are known for their high fuel usage, consuming over 374 million gallons annually, which breaks down to approximately 1.5 gallons per adult each day.
When the power grid fails, gas stations are unable to operate their pumps, leading to inevitable long lines and shortages. To avoid these challenges, it’s wise to calculate your gasoline needs in advance and store it safely for future use.
However, storing large quantities of gasoline presents its own challenges. Therefore, it’s recommended that gasoline should only be part of your overall fuel strategy. Consider diversifying with propane, solar, and even traditional fire-based fuels.
“Gas is highly flammable so make sure you store it safely.”
Safety is paramount when storing gasoline. Avoid keeping it inside your home, in direct sunlight, or near heat sources. Always use approved containers and adhere to safety guidelines. By following these practices, you can significantly reduce the risk of fire. Be aware that local regulations may limit how much gasoline you are legally allowed to store.
To determine how much gasoline you’ll need in a crisis, let’s look at some basic calculations. Suppose your vehicle averages 15 miles per gallon and has a 15-gallon tank, providing a range of 225 miles per full tank. It’s critical to ensure that your bug-out location is within one tank’s distance from your starting point, as refueling could be challenging or impossible.
For instance, if you need to travel 200 miles one way to reach your safe haven, you’ll require 30 gallons for a round trip of 400 miles, with some extra for safety. However, if you keep your vehicle’s tank at least partially full, you won’t need to store the full 30 gallons separately. Departing with a full tank means you only need an additional 15 gallons in reserve.
In a survival situation, many people rely on inverter generators due to their mobility and quiet operation. These generators typically have a one-gallon capacity and can run for three to eight hours, depending on the load. For example, if you plan to operate your generator for four to six hours daily, you might use about 1.25 gallons per day, totaling 37.5 gallons over a month.
This means your total gasoline requirement could amount to 67.5 gallons. But don’t be alarmed by this figure. It’s crucial to evaluate your specific needs and consider alternative fuel sources. If you don’t need to travel to a bug-out location, you’ll save a significant amount of fuel. Similarly, mild weather conditions might eliminate the need for heating or cooling, conserving even more fuel.
This guide is intended to prompt a reevaluation of your gasoline requirements and encourage exploration of other fuel options.
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