ATLANTA – Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John King today urged Georgians not to stockpile gasoline and practice safe gas filling and storing measures.
The commissioner issued his statement in response to reports of people hoarding gas in the wake of the Colonial Pipeline cyberattack. The pipeline resumed operations Wednesday around 5 p.m., but company officials say it will take several days for the product delivery supply chain to return to normal.
“The current situation with the pipeline is only temporary,” says King, “and these types of actions actually contribute to additional gasoline shortages and put Georgians at unnecessary risk.”
Commissioner King offered the following safety guidelines for the use and storage of gasoline:
- It is not safe to stockpile gasoline. Storage of a large amount of flammable liquid can be dangerous, particularly in a residence with children.
- Use only OSHA or DOT-approved containers for gasoline storage. Using makeshift storage options, such as plastic bags, is extremely dangerous.
- Place the container on the ground while filling and keep the nozzle inside the container to avoid generating static electricity.
- Do not use cigarettes, cell phones, or other electronics while pumping gasoline.
- Store gasoline containers in the trunk of your car or bed of your truck while transporting them, and make sure they’re secured, so they don’t tip over.
- No one under 16 years old should pump gasoline.
