Essex Fire warns of dangers of storing fuel at home
It comes after videos on social media appear to show people filling containers during recent panic-buying.
Essex Fire is warning of the potential dangers of filling unsafe containers with fuel, after videos emerged online of people panic buying at fuel stations across the country.
Essex residents are being urged by the fire service not to hoard petrol and to store any containers they do have safely and securely.
It says hoarding petrol could result in fires due to petrol being stored incorrectly in homes and domestic garages.
The law also clearly states only 30 litres of petrol can be stored at home or at non workplace premises – without having to inform the local Petroleum Enforcement Authority (PEA).
The legislation allows you to store petrol in the following containers:
Plastic containers storing up to 10 litres
Metal containers storing up to 20 litres
Demountable fuel tank up to 30 litres
We spoke to Keiron Moir who is the Home Safety Operations Manager at Essex County Fire and Rescue Service about the precautions people who do need containers of fuel must take.
"The key message is, store it outside any living spaces. Ensure that the storage area is well ventilated and away from excess light and heat.
"I'd also strongly urge against decanting it or using it indoors and away from heat and electrical items"
Also, the containers which are used for storing must be clearly marked so that in case of an emergency, fire and rescue services are aware that the contents of the container are flammable.
Fire and Rescue services in the county will also continue as normal despite the shortages at petrol stations.
"As you'd expect from the fire and rescue service, we have a plan for every scenario. We've got plenty of fuel now, more than enough to keep responding", says Mr. Moir.
It must be remembered however, that official guidance remains to purchase and store only as much fuel as you need.
The Government says it expects pressure on forecourts to ease in the coming days.