Storing outdoor equipment and fuel safely is a key part of backyard maintenance. Gasoline, propane, leftover chemicals and power cords can all create serious hazards if they are not handled and stored correctly. The right storage practices reduce the risk of fire, protect children and pets, and keep your tools ready for the next job.
Storing gasoline and liquid fuels
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), portable fuel containers can pose a serious injury risk. If fuel vapor escapes and encounters a spark or flame, it can ignite and flash back into the container, causing a flame explosion. The CPSC recommends buying a gas can or portable fuel container that is child resistant and keeping all fuel containers out of the reach of children. Never permit children to play with matches or fuel.
The CPSC’s fuel safety guidance says to store gas cans and portable fuel containers in well-ventilated, cool areas only. Never store gas cans inside a house, basement, or near sources of ignition, such as fuel-burning appliances, open flames, pilot lights, stoves, heaters or electric mowers. Always place a gas can on the ground to fill up at the gas station, and never use plastic bags or other inappropriate containers with gasoline or other flammable liquids. After each use, always put the cap back on and never leave fuel containers open. The CPSC also reminds users to never smoke near gasoline or at a gas station, and to always read the instructions that come with the container.
For backyard fire pits, the CPSC warns never to use gasoline to start a fire or to re-start a fire, even if you think the fire was not ignited. Only use appropriate fire starters and only before lighting the fire. Never add liquid fuel after trying to start a fire. Keep a hose or fire extinguisher nearby, and never burn when the risk of wildfires is high. (For more on fire pit safety, see our article on backyard fire pit safety.)
Storing propane cylinders
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) publishes codes that cover the storage and handling of liquefied petroleum gas (LP-Gas), which includes propane. According to the NFPA’s LP-Gas fact sheet, LP-Gas is colorless, odorless, and heavier than air, so it can accumulate in low areas like ditches and below-grade confined spaces. Because of these properties, proper storage location is critical.
NFPA 58, the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code, applies to storage outside the home. The fact sheet notes that for buildings frequented by the public, cylinders are limited to a propane capacity of 1 pound, with a total stored quantity of 200 pounds. For buildings not frequented by the public the maximum quantity is 300 pounds of propane, and the cylinder size is not restricted. The NFPA fact sheet also references Chapter 8 of NFPA 58, which covers storage of cylinders awaiting use, resale, or exchange, including cabinets for selling cylinders.
When storing propane cylinders at home, follow the NFPA 58 limits and keep cylinders outdoors in a well-ventilated area, away from ignition sources. Never store propane cylinders inside a living space or basement. Local fire codes and building regulations may have additional requirements, so check with your local fire department or building department. Rules can vary by place, and your homeowners association may also have guidelines.
Disposing of leftover chemicals safely
Many common backyard products, paints, cleaners, oils, pesticides, and solvents, can become household hazardous waste (HHW). The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) explains that HHW includes leftover household products that can catch fire, react, or explode under certain circumstances, or that are corrosive or toxic. Improper disposal, such as pouring them down the drain, on the ground, or into storm sewers, can pollute the environment and pose a threat to human health. It can also cause physical injury to sanitation workers or contaminate septic tanks and wastewater treatment systems.
The EPA offers several tips for safe handling. Follow all instructions on product labels for use, storage, and disposal. Never store hazardous products in food containers; keep them in their original containers and never remove labels. If a container is corroding, call your local hazardous materials official or fire department for instructions. Never mix leftover HHW with other products, because incompatible chemicals might react, ignite, or explode, and contaminated waste may become unrecyclable.
To dispose of leftover chemicals, check with your local environmental, health, or solid waste agency for permanent or periodic HHW collection programs. If your community does not have a year-round collection system, look for designated collection days at a central location. Some local businesses, such as garages, may accept used motor oil for recycling. Even empty containers can pose hazards because of residual chemicals, so handle them with care. As part of your seasonal backyard maintenance, review your stored chemicals each spring and fall. The EPA also encourages reducing the purchase of products with hazardous ingredients and using alternative methods, such as vinegar-based glass cleaners or baking soda for deodorizing rugs.
Keeping cords and tools dry and safe
Extension cords and power tools need careful storage to prevent electrical fires and shocks. The CPSC and the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) jointly published a safety sheet that notes about 2,000 residential fires each year are associated with electric cords or plugs, often caused by short circuits, overloaded circuits, or damaged cords.
The safety sheet advises using extension cords only when necessary and only on a temporary basis. Do not overload a cord or power strip. For appliances with three-prong plugs, use only three-wire extension cords. Replace any cord that is cracked or worn. When using outdoor tools and appliances, use only extension cords labeled for outdoor use. Look for a certification label from an independent testing lab on the package and on the product, and avoid counterfeit goods.
Storing cords and power tools in a dry location helps prevent moisture damage that can lead to short circuits or corrosion. Coil cords loosely to avoid kinks, and keep them off the ground where they might be stepped on or exposed to water. For more on organizing your gear, see our article on backyard storage solutions. Regular inspection of cords and tools before each use is a simple way to catch damage early. If a cord feels hot during use, unplug it and replace it.
Frequently asked questions
Can I store gasoline in my attached garage?
The CPSC says never store gas cans inside a house, basement, or near sources of ignition. An attached garage may present similar risks if it contains a furnace, water heater, or other pilot lights. Check with your local fire department for specific guidance, as local codes may restrict garage storage.
How do I know if a chemical is household hazardous waste?
The EPA considers a product HHW if it can catch fire, react, or explode under certain circumstances, or if it is corrosive or toxic. Look for signal words on the label such as flammable, corrosive, poison, or danger. When in doubt, contact your local solid waste agency or check the Earth 911 database for disposal options.
Can I keep a propane cylinder in my shed?
The NFPA fact sheet summarizes NFPA 58 limits for buildings, such as 300 pounds of propane in buildings not frequented by the public; how those rules apply to a home shed is a question for your local fire department. Because LP-Gas is heavier than air and can accumulate in low areas, keeping cylinders outdoors in a well-ventilated area is a sensible default. A shed may be considered a building under local fire codes, so verify with your local fire department before storing a cylinder inside.
For more detailed guidance on storing all types of outdoor equipment, visit our outdoor equipment storage category page.
