by Jim Doyle, owner of Madison Security Group
The gas station, it used to be the place just to get gas and have the oil changed, maybe have your windows washed. Now gas stations have turned into mini shopping, marts. With the convenience of being able to pick up just about anything at the gas station, the trouble can quickly start. Here are some tips to keep you and your family safe while visiting the gas marts.
- Always turn off your engine before you begin refueling your car
- Don’t talk on you cell phone while refueling your car
- Never smoke, or light matches or lighters while refueling
- Avoid getting in and out of the car while refueling
- Static explosions and fires are very real danger
- Avoid spills by not topping off the tank
- Transporting and storage of gasoline can be very dangerous if you do not use the proper precautions.
- Only use containers approved for gasoline storage. Do not use old containers that have been laying around such as glass bottles, plastic milk containers or soda bottles.
- Keep gasoline out of reach of children
- Keep all containers tightly closed
- Never mix gasoline with diesel fuel or kerosene
- Do not use gasoline in kerosene lamps or heaters
- Store gasoline in a separate building from the house, such as a storage shed
- Allow engines such as a lawn mower to cool before refueling
- Make sure that if you are working with gasoline that the area that you are in is well ventilated. Inhaling fumes from gasoline can result in a trip to the emergency room.
- If you do need to buy something from of one of the mini-mart stores that are now also a part of most gas stations, here are some tips to keep a theft or tragedy from happening.
- Never leave your car running for any reason at a gas pump
- Never leave your car running or with the keys in it while you run in the store
- Never leave your children in the car alone
- Never use a non-approved container for gas (Glass/Plastic bottle)
- If you see someone smoking near the pumps, say something
- Try to be polite to other patrons. I have seen arguments start over the smallest problem.
