With the elevated frustration lingering in the city and beyond over the lack of gasoline following Hurricane Sandy, there are increased reports of people hoarding gasoline. When the fuel can be found, people are filling up additional containers to keep gas in stock. This tendency to hoard the fuel is not a good idea as it places a lot of people in jeopardy.
As with the recent news story concerning a gas-sparked fire in a Manhattan restaurant, it only takes a few drops of spilled fuel or even the gasoline vapors to trigger a fire. This can be particularly disastrous for those living in multi-dwellings like apartment buildings. If you are storing gasoline or other fuels inside your living space, you are also risking your own health as the inhalation of gas vapors can cause serious illness and even death.
People who are desperate for gasoline to fill their vehicle tanks are also resorting to hoarding the gas in containers not approved by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or Factory Mutual (FM) for holding such dangerous fuels. Containers meant for holding explosive liquids must meet the approval guidelines because once the fuel is in the container, it can expand and as a result the container will explode. Household items including milk jugs, auto fuel jugs, glass jars, and other containers should never be used for the holding or storage of gasoline or other explosive devices.
While you may store gasoline for other purposes such as for fueling a lawnmower or weed trimmer, it is important to store the flammable liquids in an area outside of your home that has adequate ventilation. Fuel should never be kept in an area near an electrical source, near open flame, or in an excessively hot location such as a furnace room.
It may take some more time to have daily life return to normal including the ability to access gasoline to fuel your vehicle but if you start a fire because of improperly stored gasoline, you are at risk of losing your home, your loved ones, and your own life.
If you have been injured on the job due to the cleanup efforts of Hurricane Sandy around New York, you have a right to pursue a claim for workers compensation. Schedule a free consultation with our legal team today by calling toll free at 888-799-3918 or by using our online contact form.
