A true prepper should be ready for when SHTF, no matter where you are. Whether you’re on your way to a bug-out location or simply living off the grid, you will need fuel to be able to run your vehicle, operate your generator or power your heater. Here’s what you need to know about having a fuel stockpile in case SHTF. (h/t to ModernSurvivalBlog.com)

Generally, it is a good idea to stockpile around one to five gallons of fuel for emergency use. Before you stockpile fuel, you should check with your local fire department if to see if there are any laws on the maximum amount that you can store at home.

Why do you need to stockpile fuel even before SHTF?

During a survival situation, fuel may not be readily available and you will be limited to what you have on hand. This can leave you unable to do many things, such as driving your car to safety, powering your home or even just keeping warm.

Fuel is also necessary to power generators, so it can really come in handy during a power outage. You can use a generator as part of a small off-grid power system.

If you need to stay warm and you don’t have a heater, you can burn fuel to produce heat. As with all flammable items, be sure to handle your fuel in a responsible manner and keep your fire under control.

In an economic collapse, fuel can also be used as a highly valued item for bartering and trade. (Related: MUST-HAVE items to use for trade during an economic collapse.)

What is the best kind of fuel to stockpile?

There are many types of fuel you can stockpile. Keep in mind that your specific situation might not apply to other people. Figure out what kind of fuel best suits your needs.

Gasoline is the most commonly used fuel for vehicles. That said, it is important to note that gasoline is perishable and usually only lasts for around a year before oxidation renders it stale and useless. This is why you should rotate your gasoline stockpile on a regular basis. You can also extend the shelf life of your gasoline by storing it in airtight containers. Keeping gasoline in small containers also makes it easier to rotate your supply.

When it comes to long-term storage, diesel fuel is a much better option than gasoline. It is also considerably safer to store than gasoline since it is much harder to ignite. Diesel is also commonly used for trucks and heavy machinery.

Another good fuel option is kerosene. If you need to cook food while bugging out, this is the best fuel for the job. Compared to other fuel types, kerosene provides more heat per gallon. Furthermore, kerosene is a very affordable fuel option.

No matter what type of fuel you stockpile, the most important thing to keep in mind is to make sure that it is stored away from sources of heat.

When stored and used properly, any type of fuel can be a lifesaver when bugging out. For other useful tips on bugging out, visit BugOut.news.

Sources include:

ModernSurvivalBlog.com

PrimalSurvivor.com

AskAPrepper.com