Many families like to travel by car to visit family and friends over the Thanksgiving holiday. Before you leave, be sure to take care of the ride by checking your car to ensure that there are no engine oil leaks. A frequent danger during these trips is the possibility of a gas spill or diesel spill when you stop to fill-up your tank. Gasoline spilled onto the ground can cause a fire and driving hazard, and can also seep into the ground and water supply. Diesel spills can be potentially dangerous because they are difficult to see and can be very slippery. Here are some tips to avoid a fuel spill at the pumps:

• Don’t Overfill: One of the main causes of spillage is filling the tank too full, which does not allow any room for expansion. Only fill the tank until the pump stops running automatically. Resist the urge to add just a “little bit” more.
• Close the Cap: Make sure your gas cap is on securely and tightly closed so fuel does not spill out onto the pavement. Some engine lights may come on if the cap is not closed.
• Report any Spills: If you or another motorist accidentally spills gasoline or diesel fuel, notify the attendant immediately and ask is the station has any spill kits on hand.
• Stop the Static: You may have noticed the signs which ban talking on your cell phone while pumping gasoline. This is due to the potential for static electricity. Although unusual, sparks can cause a fire, especially in cool or cold and dry climate conditions.
• Stay with the Pump: Never get back inside your car while filling it. Always stay by the pump and make sure it is operating properly. This also reduces the potential for building up static electricity by getting in and out of the car.
• Don’t Over-ride: Some motorists may be tempted to over-ride, or jam, the automatic shut-off latch. This can be dangerous, and may lead to a spill.
• Be Careful with Containers: If you are stopping to fill up containers for snowmobiles or other outdoor winter gear, always use a container that has been approved to carry gasoline. Manually control the nozzle and fill the container slowly, keeping the nozzle in contact with the rim. Only fill the container to about 95% full, and make sure it seals tightly.

We’re working hard to find ways to make it easier than ever to clean up spills. Call us today at 877-500-SPILL (7745) for more information on emergency spill kits, transmission fluid clean up, or absorbent mats.

Happy Thanksgiving on behalf of the entire Monarch Green Family!

About Monarch Green, Inc.®: Monarch Green, Inc.® is answering the world’s demand for environmentally-friendly, technologically-advanced, cost-effective, nontoxic products to clean up spills of oil and other liquids on land or water. Products include an oil clean-up sorbent mat, oil absorbing flexible booms, bilge boom socks, absorbent pads for storage drums, and complete spill kits. Visit the website at https://www.monarchgreen.com to view product videos and download a PowerPoint presentation on the sorbent market. “Like” the Facebook page for news and information on environmentally friendly, spill clean-up solutions. Call 1-877-500-SPILL (7745) Ext. 1 to find an authorized distributor in your area.