Ameer Randolph
Hurricanes can cause widespread devastation, leaving areas without power for extended periods. Thus, it is crucial to prepare your fuel tank ahead of time. This involves creating an emergency plan, safeguarding on-site structures, and ensuring a sufficient fuel supply. Additionally, it is important to schedule fuel deliveries and perform maintenance on fuel tanks and generators. By taking these steps, you can enhance your resilience during hurricane season and maintain business continuity.
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What You'll Learn
Create an emergency plan and make sure everyone is aware of it
Creating an emergency plan is crucial to effectively prepare your fuel tank for a hurricane. Start by identifying the specific steps that need to be taken to secure your fuel tank and equipment. This includes moving any equipment that can be stored indoors and securely tying down or anchoring the fuel tank and any remaining outdoor equipment to prevent them from being damaged or causing harm during the hurricane.
Next, ensure that all employees or family members are aware of the hurricane's potential impact and the procedures in place to protect them. Designate a safe shelter, whether it is on-site or at a different location, and communicate the process for reaching it. It is also important to have a plan for evacuating the site if necessary, including a designated meeting point and procedures for accounting for all personnel.
Additionally, prepare for potential fuel shortages by topping off all fuel tanks and scheduling fuel deliveries in advance. Fuel is essential in the aftermath of a hurricane, and power outages and fuel delivery disruptions can last for extended periods. Having a sufficient fuel supply will enable you to support your own recovery efforts and assist the wider community.
Finally, assign specific roles and responsibilities to individuals within your organization or family. This includes forming teams responsible for different tasks, such as clean-up, site security, and fuel management. Regularly communicate and review the emergency plan with all involved parties to ensure everyone remains aware and prepared.
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Schedule a fuel delivery to ensure tanks are full
If your business relies on fuel to keep going, you must take the necessary steps to ensure you have enough fuel to navigate the post-hurricane landscape. Fuel is essential in the initial days and weeks after a hurricane, and fuel tanks are a crucial asset in preparing for hurricane season. Therefore, it is imperative to schedule a fuel delivery to ensure your tanks are full before a hurricane hits. Here are some reasons why and some tips to help you prepare:
Expect longer lead times and limited fuel delivery availability
After a hurricane, bulk fuel delivery can become challenging due to high fuel demand, longer wait times, and limited fuel delivery availability. Fuel delivery times may also be longer and only available at inconvenient times, such as overnight, with smaller, more frequent loads. Therefore, it is crucial to schedule a fuel delivery before the hurricane season peaks to ensure you have the fuel you need.
Prepare for fuel contingencies
Hurricanes can significantly impact bulk fuel availability even before they make landfall. Knowing what to expect when ordering and storing bulk fuel during this time is essential. Ensure you have backup equipment, such as replacement pumps, backup batteries, and hand pumps, in case of primary equipment failure.
Top off your fuel tanks
Even if your fuel tanks are relatively full, it is advisable to top them off before a hurricane. If you have remote locations that require or store fuel, schedule a fuel delivery for them and ensure your fuel supplier has all the necessary contact information and alternate routes for delivery in case of major road closures.
Be prepared with realistic expectations
It is important to have realistic expectations regarding fuel delivery after a hurricane. Even if your business is unaffected by the storm, fuel will be in high demand, and it may take days to obtain a fuel delivery. Prepare for longer wait times and smaller loads, and consider the impact on your operations.
Fuel is essential for recovery
The more fuel your business has on hand when a hurricane strikes, the better positioned you are to recover and help your community. Fuel tanks enable businesses to stay open during widespread power outages, facilitate employee commutes, and ensure essential services like deliveries continue uninterrupted. They are also crucial in community-wide rescue efforts, powering vehicles and equipment for post-storm operations.
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Perform water housekeeping procedures and test for bacteria
Water housekeeping procedures are essential to prevent water accumulation in fuel tanks, especially when temperature fluctuations occur. Here are some procedures to follow:
- Ensure proper sealing of the tank to prevent rainwater contamination.
- Top off the tanks at the end of the day to prevent condensation caused by warm, humid air.
- Periodically drain water accumulated in the tank, especially after heavy rain or a thaw.
- Maintain the integrity of the fuel storage tank seals.
- Allow settling time for the fuel after delivery, enabling water separation prior to distribution.
- Clean the tank and ensure it is fitted with appropriate filters to prevent the ingress of dirt, dust, and moisture.
Testing for bacteria in fuel tanks is crucial to prevent microbial growth, which occurs when water is present and the diesel fuel temperature is between 10°C and 40°C. Bacterial and fungal spores can enter through vents, condensation, or filling contamination. To test for bacteria:
- Check tank bottoms for water regularly, especially after fuel deliveries, heavy rain, or a thaw.
- Sample products from the inside tank bottom, pulling from the low end of the tank if possible, to inspect for water or sludge.
- Utilize the ATP test to estimate the concentration of microorganisms and diagnose microbial problems. This test is fast and easy, providing results in about 10 minutes.
- Take samples from multiple locations and depths to get a comprehensive understanding of any biological problems.
- If microbial growth is suspected, contact your local fuel team for guidance on remediation and fuel sample testing.
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Secure equipment and board up open areas to prevent damage
Securing equipment and boarding up open areas are crucial steps in preventing damage during a hurricane. Here are some detailed instructions to help you prepare:
Secure Equipment:
- Move any equipment that can be stored indoors before the hurricane hits. This will protect it from potential damage caused by high winds and flying debris.
- For equipment that cannot be moved indoors, ensure it is securely tied down. This includes heavy machinery, outdoor furniture, or any other items that could be blown around and cause damage or injury.
- Perform maintenance on backup generators and test them with new fuel. It is crucial to ensure they will function properly during and after the hurricane when the power may be out.
- Service all vehicles, pumps, compressors, and ventilators. You may need to rely on these immediately after the hurricane, so they must be in good working condition.
Board Up Open Areas:
- Identify all open areas, such as windows and doors, and any other openings that could let in wind and water.
- Use plywood or other sturdy materials to cover these openings. Secure the coverings with screws or nails to ensure they can withstand the strong winds.
- Regularly remove any debris from the site, such as loose branches or trash, which could be picked up by the wind and cause damage or injury.
- Consider investing in storm shutters for windows and doors, which can provide added protection and be more convenient than plywood.
By following these steps, you can significantly reduce the potential for damage to your equipment and facilities, as well as enhance the safety of your employees or residents.
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Prepare for fuel contingencies and high demand after the hurricane
Fuel is essential in the days and weeks following a hurricane, and fuel tanks are a crucial component of hurricane preparedness. The destruction caused by hurricanes, including power outages, downed trees, and severed lines, can extend far inland, and communities in these areas are often the last to have power restored. Therefore, it is important to prepare for fuel contingencies and high demand after a hurricane. Here are some ways to do this:
Line Up Bulk Fuel Suppliers
Ensure you have a list of bulk fuel suppliers within and outside your area. It is recommended to have at least three suppliers, and it is advisable to ensure they don't all use the same refinery. Reach out to each vendor ahead of hurricane season and make sure your account is in good standing. Double-check that they have up-to-date access information, such as gate codes and emergency contacts.
Stock Up on Emergency Fuel
Having a supply of emergency fuel can be crucial during and after a hurricane. It ensures you have adequate fuel for your vehicle or generator when energy and fuel services become inaccessible. It also helps you avoid long lines and price gouging due to increased demand.
Protect Your Fuel Storage Tank Site
If you have a fuel storage tank, it is vital to create an emergency plan that includes detailed steps for on-site preparations and evacuations. Move any equipment that can be stored indoors, and securely tie down anything that cannot be moved. Board up any open areas to prevent internal water damage, and regularly remove any debris that could cause damage during the hurricane.
Prepare Vehicles and Heavy Equipment
Line up possible temporary fleet yard locations to protect your vehicles and heavy equipment from high winds, storms, and storm surges. Make a list of potential disaster expenses and create a financial plan to facilitate any unplanned purchases.
Have a Plan for Employees and Personnel
Ensure all employees are aware of the hurricane preparedness plan, including the location of any on-site shelter. Designate specific personnel who can be available 24/7 to help facilitate vendor response and any other necessary actions.
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Frequently asked questions
Create an emergency plan. Make sure everyone in your company is aware of the plan and knows where to find shelter.
Move any equipment that can be stored indoors. Any equipment that cannot be stored should be tied down to prevent it from getting damaged or causing damage.
Schedule a fuel delivery to ensure your fuel storage tanks are full. It's also important to perform water housekeeping procedures and test stored fuel for bacterial content.
Ensure your tank has an adequate supply of propane. If a hurricane threatens your safety, shut off the main gas supply valve on your propane tank by turning it to the right.
