In the event of a natural disaster, having access to your own cache of diesel fuel could be beneficial. Proper storage techniques will allow you to access the fuel you need to power both vehicles and electric generators during a disaster.

Here are three tips you can use to help improve the quality of your stored fuel in the future.

1. Keep your storage tank full at all times.

In addition to ensuring you will have enough gas to get you through a natural disaster, keeping your diesel tank full of gas could be beneficial in reducing condensation during storage. Over time, the moisture content in diesel fuel can begin to separate and condense if there is too much air space in a storage tank.

Condensed moisture collects on the interior surface of the storage tank, resulting in an increase in the water content of the fuel in the tank. Water in your diesel fuel could cause your vehicle or generator to function improperly, so be sure that you replace any fuel you use as quickly as possible to curb the condensation process.

2. Rotate through your stored fuel regularly.

One of the more difficult aspects of storing diesel fuel is ensuring that your supply is always fresh. The best way to accomplish this task is by rotating through your stored reserves on a regular basis.

Diesel fuel has a shelf life of about 6 months to one year before significant degradation occurs. Using your stored fuel to gas up your vehicles, then replacing what you have used ensures that you will have access to fuel that can perform in the event of a natural disaster.

3. Add a fuel stabilizer to your stored reserve.

As gasoline sits in your storage tank, it can begin to form gummy deposits that will clog up the fuel system in your car and generator during use. Adding a fuel stabilizer can be a simple and effective way to prevent this gunk from compromising the quality of your stored diesel fuel.

Pouring some fuel stabilizer into your storage tank (ensuring that you follow the manufacturer's directions when determining the correct ratio of stabilizer to fuel) will help you safely store your diesel fuel for an emergency situation.

Storing fuel at your home can be risky if you don't take the time to do it correctly. Keep your storage tank full, rotate through your reserve on a regular basis, and use a fuel stabilizer to ensure that your fuel stockpile remains viable in storage. For more information, contact Nelson Petroleum or a similar company.