A Few Useful Plants for Wilderness Survival

Identifying useful plants can be a valuable survival skill.  While many plants are edible, some are not and in some cases, even a teaspoonful can be enough to kill you.  For example, wild onions are edible but the death camas, which grows in the same areas, appears almost identical -- but it doesn't have the onion odor -- lives up to its name and can kill you.   No doubt you have seen "Survivorman" Les Stroud find edible plants in most of his episodes.  Be aware that he has had the benefit of specialized training by local experts to know what to look for.  Memorizing a manual of exotic jungle plants isn't going to do you any good in a North American desert or forest.  In addition to being a possible source of emergency food, some plants have other uses.  You need to look into what grows where you live and camp and how you can use it.

DISCLAIMER:  I am not a doctor, pharmacist, or an herbalogist.   The suggestions given here are gleaned and summarized from public documents and personal experience.  I have tried to identify plants that are readily available in many places (at least in the Western United States) that might be useful in a survival situation and that don't require sophisticated processing.

I have lived in the Western United States all my life so I'm pretty familiar with some of the indigenous flora. Large parts of the West are covered with sagebrush deserts and juniper trees.  At higher elevations you'll find various kinds of pines, firs, cedar, aspen, and maple.  Willows grow along many lakes and streams.  All of these have potential in a survival situation.

Pine nuts are a safe and flavorful source of nutrition.  They can sometimes be difficult to harvest as they are locked in pine cones.  They can usually be harvested in September and October and sometimes later in the year.   Find a tree with lots of pine cones and shake it or use a long stick to knock down mature cones.  If the cones are already at least partially open, you may be able to simply pull out the nuts.  If they aren't open, you may need to lay the cone on a bed of coals to make it open up.   If the cone has been properly pollinated and the tree has gotten enough water, the nuts should be large and edible.  Lacking proper pollination or water they will be dried up, rotten, and inedible.  Pine nuts are an excellent source of protein so they can be especially desirable if you are unable to obtain meat or fish in the wilderness.  Pine and spruce needles contain significant amounts of Vitamin C and can be used to make a flavorful tea or chewed to freshen your breath.

Sagebrush is common in many of the semi-arid parts of the Western United States.  The wood lights easily and burns quickly, even when green.   The aromatic smoke from burning sagebrush is an effective anti-bacterial agent so it makes a good fuel for a "smoke shower".  Sagebrush leaves can be made into a poultice for disinfecting wounds.  When made into a tisane (a kind of herbal tea), it was used by Native Americans to treat internal bleeding, such as battle wounds and childbirth, but note that it is somewhat toxic to the human liver and digestive system and so it should be used sparingly and with caution.  Breathing sagebrush smoke is said to help relieve headaches.  An infusion (made by seeping leaves in water or alcohol) can be used to disinfect hands, walls and equipment.  The leaves were sometimes chewed to relieve stomach gas but may taste somewhat bitter.

Junipers, which also inhabit much of the same territory as sagebrush, have a number of uses. Juniper berries are used to give gin its characteristic flavor, but you'll probably not be making a lot of gin in survival mode.   More practically, Juniper is used for digestion problems including upset stomach, intestinal gas (flatulence), heartburn, bloating, and loss of appetite, as well as gastrointestinal (GI) infections and intestinal worms.  It is also used to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs) and kidney and bladder stones.  Other uses include treating snakebite, diabetes, and cancer.  Juniper is also traditionally used to treat a broad range of health conditions, including bronchitis, colds, fungal infections, hemorrhoids, gynecological diseases, and wounds.   It is reported to be effective as an anti-bacterial and anti-fungal agent.

Willows, poplars, and aspens all contain salicyn which is closely related to aspirin.   Aspirin is acetylsalicylic acid, a synthetic version of salicyn.  Salicyn is found in the inner bark of willows, poplars, and aspen trees.   Its use is recorded as far back as 400 B.C. and was extensively used among Native American tribes to treat headaches, other body pains, fever and to reduce inflammation.  To use it, extract the inner bark from twigs.  You can chew the bark or make it into a tea.  Anyone that is allergic to aspirin should avoid using salicyn.  I have personally tried using willow bark as an aspirin substitute and found it quite effective.  The inner bark of aspen can also be eaten, although it is often somewhat bitter. The white powder found on the outer bark of aspen makes an effective sunscreen and also contains a significant amount of a naturally occurring yeast that can be used in making bread, pancakes, etc.  Aspen buds can be soaked in olive oil to make a soothing salve for skin irritations and abrasions.  Aspen twigs can be chewed into fibers to make a good wilderness toothbrush.   It is said to be good for both the spindle and the fire board for the fire-bow or bow-drill method of fire starting.  The wood, being soft, even grained, and tasteless, works well for utensils, such as bowls, spoons, cups, and anytime you need a lightweight, moderately strong wood.  If you use aspen for making bowls, make sure the piece you select is completely dry and without checks, or it may crack after you have begun carving.  A bowl may be burned-out by placing a coal on top of the blank piece of wood, and blowing until the surrounding wood begins to burn.  After a time, scrape out this char, and continue burning.  When you have attained the shape and depth you desire, sand the bowl down with a piece of sandstone, and finish it with mineral oil.  Alternately, a good crooked knife makes short work of the soft, even-grained wood.   Many thanks to Paul J. Van Horn, in his Internet article, The Quaking Aspen.  As a firewood, it is on the low side in the amount of heat it produces but is easy to cut and burn.  It tends to be sparky, so loading your fire up with aspen wood and sleeping near it is NOT advised.   Aspen or birch bark from a large, mature trees (preferably dead trees) can also be used as shingles for your emergency shelter.   A nice feature if you get rained on in a survival situation.

                                           

Wild onions, (shown above) are edible and can add flavor to survival foods, but, as mentioned above, the death camas (shown below) is easily confused with the wild onion.  Both have similar looking leaves and bulbs and are often found in the same places even growing side by side, but the death camas does not have an onion smell.  If you harvest wild onions, be sure to smell each one before eating it.  It it doesn't smell like an onion, get rid of it or feed it to your enemies.  Don't eat the bulb or the stem (leaves) of death camas.   As the name implies, it can be deadly.   Below is a picture of a death camas.

                                        

As you can see, it  looks a lot like wild onion.  Always check for the onion smell so you don't mistake death camas for wild onions.

Blueberries and blackberries grow wild in some parts of the Pacific Northwest.  These are healthy, tasty, and safe to eat and a real treat if you an find them.

Other wild berries are also often thought of as wonderful survival treats, but some are poisonous. There are many different species depending on the climate so be sure to check the Internet or a good reference book specific to where you go on activities.  For a good primer on identifying and using wild berries see this article in Mother Earth News.

Wild grapes come in both edible and toxic versions.  Being able to sort them out is beyond the scope of this post.  You may need a good horticulture book about plants indigenous to your areas of concern to know which category yours falls into, if they even grow there.

Cattails are often found in wetlands, along lakes and streams.  It is sometimes known as the "supermarket of the swamp".   Mature cattail seed clusters are brown and fuzzy and about the size of a large frankfurter, growing on a long stem about the size of an arrow.  If they are mature and dry they are an excellent source of tinder for starting fires.   This soft fluffy stuff can also be use as padding in dressings or to pad splints or to add insulation to clothing or bedding.  You can make flour from the starch in the roots.  In a survival situation you may just want to eat the starch raw.  Other parts are also edible, depending on the time of year.   The fronds or long leaves can be used as cordage.  I've heard that different parts of a cattail can taste like cucumber (the young shoots) or corn (young spikes).  The seeded "hotdogs" make excellent torches, especially if dipped in tree sap and are said to be better at keeping bugs away than citronella.  Breaking them down into fluff makes excellent tinder to help you get your fire going. The jelly-like sap from sprouts in the spring is good for treating insect bites, scratches, and burns.   There are few, if any, poisonous plants that can be mistaken for cattails.   If you have cattails available, you shouldn't starve to death, but you may still need some protein, so consider catching some mammals, fish, or bugs (yccch!) to round out your diet.  If insects are your only option, roasting them might make them a little more palatable.

                                                
                                                         

Milkweed actually describes a whole family of related plants.  It is characterized by a milky, sticky white sap.  The fluffy milkweed filaments from the follicles are hollow and coated with wax, and have good insulation qualities.   They are sometimes used commercially to create hypoallergenic fill for pillows.  This fluff is also a good source of tinder for starting fires too.  The sap is somewhat sweet and was used by Native Americans but it also contains small amounts of a toxin which can be harmful if you consume 10% or more of your body weight (good luck collecting and consuming that much!).   As light and fluffy as this stuff is, you'd have to eat a HUGE amount of it before you have anything to worry about. BTW, milkweed is also a critical habitat for monarch butterflies.

Birch trees inhabit many temperate climates and are mostly found in northern latitudes of North America.  Birch bark was used by Native Americans to make canoes.  In certain species the bark lends itself to being made into paper.  Birch tar is an effective glue.   Tea made from birch leaves is an effective diuretic, which can be helpful in flushing toxins from the body but also speeds dehydration.   Birch burns well without popping even when frozen or freshly hewn.   Birch bark can be soaked until moist in water, and then formed into a cast for a broken arm.  The inner bark can be safely ingested.  Pieces of birch bark can be used as shingles to help weatherproof an emergency shelter. Birch leaves can be boiled to make a cleaning solution.

Oleander is described as being poisonous to humans but there were only 3 reported deaths in the United States over 20 years -- all self-administered.  Oleander is an evergreen shrub with long narrow green leaves.  Flowers may be white or pink. It grows in tropical and subtropical areas.  You aren't likely to find it in mountainous regions or deserts, but it is sometimes planted there by people as decorative plants.  The State of California uses it a lot as median foliage on freeways.  The blossoms may be red,  pink, or white.  There are some obscure medicinal uses for Oleander covering a wide range of afflictions, but none have been scientifically documented.  Skin contact does not appear to be a problem but eating the leaves or drinking tea made from them would make you sick, causing nausea, vomiting, diahrrea and erratic heartbeat.  Some more severe results occur when it affects the central nervous system, producing symptoms such as drowsiness, tremors or shaking of the muscles, seizures, collapse, and even coma that can lead to death.  Macerated leaves of oleander have been applied topically for treatment of dermatitis, loss of hair, superficial tumors and syphilis.  A decoction of oleander leaves has been used for the treatment of gingivitis and as a nose drop for children.   Do not use oleander for cooking, either as a fuel or in contact with food such as a stirring stick.  Oleander may have flowers ranging from nearly red like those in the photo below to pink to white.

                                                        
                                                                                              

Russian olive trees are not indigenous to the United States although they are now quite widespread and are often considered an invasive species since they have a tendency to take over.  Russian olives are often found along streams or near other sources of water in the Western United States. They have a narrow, silvery leaf and dark red bark -- and nasty thorns!  The thorns can be used as sewing awls and fish hooks.  You might even tie a large thorn onto a stick to make a spear for small game. The fruit is edible when fully ripe but quite astringent if eaten raw when not ripe.  It is used mostly to flavor soups.  Each fruit contains a single large seed which is also edible but quite fibrous. The fruit is dry, sweet, and mealy.  Oil from the fruits has been used with syrup for the treatment of bronchial infections and the juice of the flowers is used to treat malignant fevers.  The fruit is a good source of vitamins A, C, and E; also flavanoids.   It is high in fatty acids, which is unusual for any fruit.
                                                        

                                                      

Prickly pear cactus is often found in arid or semi-arid regions. The fruit or cholla is edible, but you must first thoroughly remove the all hair-like spines or suffer great discomfort. In Mexican folk medicine, its pulp and juice have been used to treat numerous maladies, such as wounds and inflammations of the digestive and urinary tracts. The gel-like sap of prickly pears might be useful as a hair conditioner. The broad, flat, rounded "leaves" can also be eaten if properly prepared. Remove all the spines and cut away the edges, then peel back the skin. The inside can be consumed cooked or raw.

                                                               

Sego lilies grow about 6 - 18" tall and have beautiful white flowers with a yellow and purple (or magneta) centers. They are native to a number of Western states and are often found in the same ecosystems as junipers and sagebrush. Sego lily bulbs were roasted, boiled or made into a porridge by Native Americans and were also used as a food source by the Mormon pioneers in Utah. It is the state flower in Utah.

                                                       

Indian paintbrush is commonly found in Western America from Alaska to the Andes. It is characterized by spikey, bright red blossoms which give it its' name. The flowers were eaten by Native Americans as a condiment with other fresh greens. Selenimum is concentrated in the leaves and stems, making them quite toxic so eat the flowers only, save the leaves for your enemies.  Indian paintbrush has similar health benefits to consuming garlic if only the flowers are eaten in small amounts and in moderation. Feed the leaves and stems to your deadly enemies only!

                                                                    

Dandelions are usually thought of as a pesky weed, but they can have many beneficial uses and they are plentiful in many places. The leaves have been used to treat liver problems and high blood pressure. Be aware it is a diuretic and will increase urine output. This may help flush out some unwanted substances but may also speed dehydration. Fresh or dried leaves is a mild appetite stimulant and settle an upset stomach. Some, but not all, studies have found dandelion helped normalize blood sugar. Dandelion greens can be added to or eaten as a salad. Martha Stewart was reported to have had inmates collect dandelion greens from the exercise yard to add to her salads in prison. Dandelion roots can be roasted and ground up to make a wilderness substitute for coffee. The dandelion flower has antioxidant properties and may help improve the immune system.


                                                                        
                                                                

Marigold circling a vegetable garden is said to keep rabbits out. In your medicine kit, it is a particularly good treatment for cuts, scrapes, bruises, insect bites and minor wounds. It is also antifungal. You can apply a poultice made from leaves and blossoms directly to wounds or boil them to make a tea and apply that to wounds. Mash some fresh marigolds and apply them to insect bites to take out the sting.  Marigolds may be yellow (as shown below) or orange.

                                                                

Honey, though not a plant, is a naturally occurring substance that has many wonderful wilderness and emergency survival uses. Besides being a tasty, high energy treat, it can be used to ease sore throats and as an antiseptic on wounds. It is said to prevent infection and speed healing. Collecting honey from wild bee hives can be tricky and you're very likely to get stung, so if you're allergic to bees, don't try it. One technique is to smoke out the bees before opening the hive. Hang onto a couple of packets of honey from a restaurant or fast food place to tuck in your survival kit.  Though honey may crystallize, it never spoils.  Archeologists have found viable (edible) honey in Egyptian tombs 3000 years old!  While honey is safe for adults, doctors advise against giving it to children under 1 year old whose immune systems may not be developed yet.  Even though honey has many antibacterial properties, there are indications it can lead to botulism in young children.  So don't coat the baby's pacifier with honey!

                                                         

Spearmint is often used as a stomach soother as well as a flavoring. Chew a few mint leaves to freshen your breath too. Spearmint tea is calming, refreshing and soothing. Could be helpful reducing stress in an emergency situation.

                                                          

Peppermint contains menthol, a natural analgesic, good for aching joints and muscles. Menthol is the active ingredient in many sports cremes. Peppermint is also claimed to have healing properties. Crush leaves and apply them to aching joints and muscles. Like spearmint, peppermint leaves can be chewed to freshen breath. 
                                                         
                                                                                                            
                   
Mullein is native to Europe and Asia, but has been transplanted to America too. It is also known as the "velvet plant" and "Desert Charmin" for its soft fuzzy leaves. And yes, the name "Desert Charmin" implies one of its handy uses as toilet paper in a survival situation.  However, be aware that many plants with fuzzy leaves are not so friendly and are likely to cause an allergic reaction, so exercise caution.  Stinging nettle is fuzzy and you definitely don't want to even touch it, let alone apply it to sensitive body parts!
                                                       
                                                      

Forage on!

Safe Fueling

Safe fueling is a factor for RVers, OHVers, and tent campers.  Even if you're a tent camper and don't have any kind of RV, you will likely be using a motor vehicle to get to your campground. Almost all RVs use propane to fuel stoves, furnaces, hot water heaters, and refrigerators. Motorhomes also have gasoline or diesel tanks for engine fuel.  Travel trailers may have a gasoline tank for powering an on board generator and a propane tank for appliances (and sometimes the generator).

It should go without saying to NEVER smoke or use any kind of ignition source around fuel pumps or fuel tanks or when transferring fuel from one container to another. But some people still need a reminder. The brightly displayed warning signs are certainly preferable to suffering the natural consequences of igniting volatile vapors!   Note:  warnings against using a cell phone at many gas stations are not supported by the evidence.  You are far more likely to ignite fumes from a static discharge from sliding off the seat than from using your cell phone.

Always turn off the engine and all propane appliances before fueling either a propane tank or fuel tank. Sparks from a vehicle or generator exhaust could ignite fumes. Pilot lights or electronic ignition of propane appliances could also ignite fumes. The main shutoff valve on motorhome propane tanks must be closed prior to filling the tank. Trailers and campers usually have portable propane thanks. These should be removed from the vehicle and placed on the ground for filling. The attendant should insist that you remove them before filling. The same is true for the portable tanks for your BBQ. Always be careful when moving a propane tank. The steel construction of the tank could cause a spark from movement on pavement. Since excess propane is vented to release pressure in the hose before the hose is disconnected, there could be volatile fumes near the tank. Many propane filling stations have protective steel cylinders they put the tanks in while filling, just in case there is a defect in the tank that might let it explode was pressure increases.

Some motorhomes have dual fuel tanks. This nicely extends the distance between fuel stops, but increases the time it takes to fill the tank(s). Sometimes the fillers for the two tanks are located on opposite sides of the coach, requiring you to back up and switch sides of the pump to fill the second tank. If you haven't hung up the hose and stopped the pump be sure to have someone hold the nozzle. DO NOT lay it down on the ground. Fuel remaining in the hose will leak out and create a hazard. Most gas pumps have a purchase limit when using a credit or debit card. With today's high, fluctuating fuel prices, this limit is often inadequate to fill even one large motorhome fuel tank, let alone two. You may find it more convenient to plan fuel stops more frequently with the goal of staying within the purchase limits instead of running one or both tanks nearly empty before stopping for fuel. A large motorhome with 100 gallon fuel capacity can take around $400 of fuel to fill empty tanks at today's prices in remote areas.

It should go without saying that you should extinguish any smoking materials, open flames, or other possible sources of ignition. Yes, I said it before above but it is worth repeating. Fuel vapors are VERY volatile and can be ignited easily. There is even a common myth that cell phones can cause gas station fires. According to snopes.com this is FALSE. However, I suspect texting or chatting on a cell phone might cause a distraction that allows another hazardous situation to occur, possibly leading to a fuel spill or other accident. Even with the automatic shutoff on most gas pumps you should monitor filling to avoid overfill and spillage. If there is a spill, flush it with water or report it to the station attendant.

Static electricity is a real threat when fueling. See Static Electricity At The Gas Pump for more information. When you first exit your vehicle, any charge is usually dissipated as you use the pump card reader and pick up the nozzle. However, if you get back into the car, you may generate a new charge that can be dangerous. To be on the safe side, avoid getting back into the vehicle until your transaction is complete and always touch the metal cabinet of the pump before handling the nozzle.  Gas station fires once thought to be caused by cell phones have been proven to have been ignited by static electricity.

If you are filling a gas can, take it out of your vehicle and place it on the ground before filling it. Static electricity can build up from the act of fueling if the can is left in the vehicle.  Also, keep the nozzle in contact with the container while filling.  Touch the metal frame of the pump or a metal overhead canopy before starting fueling to dissipate any static buildup in your body before starting to pump fuel.

Cell phone use during fueling is often discouraged. The claim that cell phones cause gas stations fires is an unfounded myth, but there are still valid reasons to avoid using a cell phone while fueling. Even though there is no evidence that cell phones themselves can generate a spark sufficient it ignite fuel fumes, the static electricity from re-entering your car to get your phone or put it back can trigger a fire. Using your cell phone, either talking or texting, can also be distracting to the point that you may not notice overfilling or other dangerous conditions.  Sometimes drivers get back into their cars to retrieve their cell phones and that can create a static electric charge which can trigger an explosion.

Gas lanterns, portable heaters, and camp stoves all require fuel. If they use white gas you will need to exercise extra caution when filling them. Make sure the appliance is on a stable surface where it won't easily fall tip over.  Make sure you are in a well ventilated area so fumes won't accumulate.  Clean up any spilled fuel immediately.  The tanks are usually under pressure so be careful to go slowly removing the cap so the pressure can escape without spraying fuel on you or anything around you. Use an appropriately sized funnel to pour fuel into the tank and take care not to overfill and spill. Filling lanterns can be especially dangerous because they are often still hot when they run out of fuel and campers are anxious to get them going again.  Opening the pressure cap on a hot lantern can result in serious injuries from the resulting fire and/or explosion.  Camp stoves usually have a removable gas tank so you can take it a safe distance from the hot burners to refuel.  Propane appliances are a little easier to swap tanks on, but some gas may escape when you remove the old tank, so work in an open or well ventilated area away from flames or other sources of ignition.  It may seem obvious and indeed it should be, but be sure to shut off the burner before changing cylinders.

Gas stations have an emergency shut off switch that should always be clearly labeled and in plain sight.  It can be used to shut down all the pumps if there is a fire.  It is a good idea to make it practice to locate the shut off switch before you start pumping.  That way, if there is an emergency, you won't be wasting time searching for it.

Fire is our friend when it is safely controlled in an appliance or a campfire. It is definitely NOT friendly in a gas station!  Proper fueling procedures will avoid spills and fires and ensure your safety.

Safety First!

Fuel Storage

Fuel storage is an issue for RVers, OHVers, and campers.  In order to be prepared for spontaneous outings and to use our RVs or camping supplies in a disaster situation, we need to store some fuel at home, assuming we can do it legally and safely.  There are some jurisdictions that place limitations on the types and amounts as well as methods of storage for fuel.  Most suburban residences routinely store a can of gas for lawnmowers and propane for their BBQs.  Most homeowners probably aren't storing it properly.

Keeping the fuel tanks on your RV full in storage is usually a recommended practice.   There are seldom any prohibitions on parking a vehicle with a full gas tank.  While a full gas tank represents a greater source of combustible materials if the vehicle catches fire, keeping it full reduces the chances of accidental ignition. It is the fumes that burn, not the liquid gasoline.  I have seen demonstrations of dropping match into a 1-gallon tin can filled to the top with gasoline and the match just goes out.   Do that with a 1-gallon tin with only about 1 inch of gasoline in the bottom and you'll get an explosive ignition!   Mythbusters did a demonstration blowing up cars with different levels of fuel.  Which one made the biggest, baddest, boom?  The one with an empty gas tank!  Regularly inspect your fuel tank and fuel lines to be sure there aren't any leaks.   This applies to the propane tank on all RVs, stoves, and BBQs as well as motor fuel tanks on motorhomes, tow vehicles, watercraft, and OHVs.

Safe storage of portable fuel containers is governed by both common sense and government regulations.   OSHA has very specific rules for the storage of flammable liquids, including paints and cleaning solvents as well as fuel.  Many cities have additional regulations regarding home storage of fuels so check with your own city before you begin hoarding propane cylinders or gas cans against a potential emergency.  Store flammable materials and corrosive materials in separate areas outside of your home.  And, no, an attached garage is not considered "outside your home".  This is where the average homeowner runs afoul of both fuel safety and (often) the law.  Fuel should be stored in a metal building, like a shed, separated from the structure containing your living quarters.  Keep in mind that gasoline does go bad over time.  Exposing it to hot temperatures in storage speeds evaporation and deterioration.

NEVER store fuel in anything but an approved container.  Gasoline and other petroleum products may react with many types of plastic which could cause an unsafe condition.   To see an accelerated demonstration of this, pour a little gasoline in a styrofoam cup.   Make sure you do this where the spill won't kill your grass or endanger structures because the cup will quickly melt and release the gasoline.  Other plastics, like milk and juice jugs may react more slowly, but the only containers you can be sure won't react are those approved for fuels.  There are different colored containers for gasoline (red) and diesel (yellow).  Water jugs are usually blue or green.   This will help you keep track of the proper fuels for different pieces of equipment and help you avoid mixing fuels.   Putting gasoline into a diesel engine or diesel fuel into a gasoline engine can cause serious problems.  Plastic gas cans designed for off-road use are usually square, making them more stable than standard "jerry" cans.  They can be equipped with a hose to make a convenient spout for filling your OHV.   For even more convenience and to prevent spills, you can screw a 2" long 1/2" plastic pipe nipple into the end of the hose and add a PVC pipe cap.  If you store mixed gas for 2-stroke engines like those found on OHVs, outboard motors, chain saws, and some garden equipment, label it with the fuel ratio so you will know which devices it can be used in.  Using mixture that is too rich will foul plugs; using a mixture that is too lean can cause the engine to seize.  And no engine runs well on the wrong mixture.

NEVER store portable fuel containers inside your RV or your residence.  Even storing them in your garage, as many people do, isn't a good idea.  For real safety, store them in a separate metal shed or cabinet outside.  This applies to spare tanks for your BBQ and to the 1 lb cylinders used to fuel camping equipment.  When you need to transport portable cylinders in your RV on camping trips, place them in an outside cabinet away from any source of heat or ignition.   You may need to crawl under your motorhome and inspect exhaust pipes from the engine and from the generator to make sure they don't come dangerously close to a cabinet where you plan to store fuel.  Make sure any tanks you carry are closed and not leaking.  There is no manual shut-off valve on 1-lb propane cylinders.  hey are designed to seal automatically when they are removed from appliances.   To be sure, sniff the top of the canister and/or spray it with a little soapy water to make sure it sealed correctly . There will usually be a little odor for a minute or so after disconnecting, but it should quickly go away.   Test it with soapy water to be sure.   If it is leaking, dispose of it properly and DO NOT put it back in your RV cabinet . Leaking fumes could accumulate until they reach the flash point, at which time any spark would cause an explosion!  If you have no place to dispose of it, leave it sitting outside until any sign of leakage is gone.  At that point either it has emptied or resealed itself and should no longer be dangerous.  Personally, I would mark such a container and dispose of it when I got home to avoid any future risk.   Or put it back into your stove, BBQ, or lantern, and use it up.  If you carry extra fuel for your RV or OHVs, carry in only in an approved container and keep it outside of your RV.   Gas can racks can often be mounted on the rear bumper of a motorhome or travel trailer. If you carry fuel in an enclosed OHV trailer, which is a fairly common practice, make sure the cans are tightly closed and leave some ventilation in the trailer (windows and/or roof vents) so fumes from any spills or leaks from gas cans or vehicles that may happen will dissipate before they reach the flash point.

When filling gas cans at a filling station, always remove them from your vehicle and put them on the ground.  Leaving them in the back of a pickup truck, in a trailer, or in the racks on your bumper may allow static electricity to build up during fueling which could cause a fire or explosion.   While we're on the subject of fueling safety, it goes without saying you should not smoke.  There is also a common myth that cell phones can cause fires while fueling. According to snopes.com, this is FALSE.  There has never been any documented evidence to support this claim.  Other sources of ignition, mostly static electricity, have been found at all incidents where a fire occurred while a customer was using a cell phone.   Here are some additional detailed guidelines about filling gas cans: Fill Gas Cans Carefully.

Safety First!