Addressing the Reckless Use of Gasoline in Your Community

May 2004

According to NFPA, there were 4,700 home fires caused by gasoline in 1998, resulting in 86 deaths and more than 460 injuries. This type of tragic loss is preventable when gasoline is properly used and stored; yet too often it is not.

Those of us in the fire safety field know how quickly and explosively gasoline vapors can be ignited, and that it takes only a small spark to do so. Many of us have seen first-hand the consequences of children playing with gasoline. Just as devastating have been the results of using gasoline as a cleaning fluid and bringing it indoors for any purpose. Though obvious to us, the general public simply doesn’t realize how dangerous gasoline can be. Three-quarters of the gasoline fire injuries NFPA tracked resulted from misuse.

The residents of your community need a greater understanding of the hazards of gasoline use and the safest ways to store, transport and handle the fuel. Educating the public about gasoline’s volatility is an essential start. But by also reinforcing the recklessness of using gasoline for anything besides a motor fuel, you’ll be making your community safety messages more meaningful.

This is the time of year when gasoline-powered equipment comes out of the garage. Older children will be permitted to use boats, wave runners and motorbikes and may be asked to use lawnmowers and other yard tools. Here is a top line list of gasoline safety messages to fold into your summer safety program:

• Safe use of gasoline – any use other than as a motor fuel is reckless
• Safe storage in the garage or shed – using an approved, tightly sealed container
• Safe transport from gasoline station – in an approved container, in the trunk
• Safe re-fueling and clean-up when there is a spill – outside and away from sparks and flame
• Safe siphoning – with a suction device only, never by mouth
• Safe response to a gasoline fire – move away and call the fire department

Local Action Items:

Be sure to include gasoline safety messages when you make presentations to older kids. Ask your local hardware and home improvement stores to host a gasoline safety day. You bring the fire truck and your expertise, and let the store supply free sodas and snacks.

Read more about gasoline safety

Chief Dennis Compton
A 34-year veteran of the fire service, Dennis Compton was the Fire Chief in Mesa, AZ and Assistant Fire Chief in Phoenix, AZ. He now serves as an Executive Advisor within many fire service organizations, and is a leading author of books and training manuals. Chief Compton is recognized as a national expert on emergency response and public safety, and he serves on the Home Safety Council Board of Directors. Compton is also active with the International Fire Service Training Association (IFSTA) and the U.S. Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI), among other groups.