Gas Shortage: Fairfax County Operations Unaffected, Safety Urged

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA — While the gasoline shortage has residents searching gas stations for available fuel, Fairfax County government operations won't be disrupted.

County government said in a statement it maintains its own fuel supply distributed through 53 fueling sites. The county's operation plans factor in the possibility of fuel shortages and price increases.

Gov. Ralph Northam had declared a state of emergency Tuesday to help the state prepare for potential supply shortages. The emergency declaration provides flexibility and funding for state and local governments to ensure adequate fuel supply.

The state of emergency also allows state authorities to crack down on price gouging of gas and fuel. The anti-price gouging law prohibits retailers from charging a much higher price for necessary goods, like gasoline, during a state of emergency. Attorney General Mark Herring urged drivers to report suspected price gouging to the state's Consumer Protection Section at consumer@oag.state.va.us or by calling 800-552-9963.

The gas shortages are expected to be temporary, and Colonial Pipeline started the process of getting its pipeline operations back up Wednesday. Colonial said it may take several days for the gasoline delivery supply chain to return to normal. Some regions served by Colonial, including Virginia and D.C., may continue to experience intermittent service interruptions during the multi-day start-up period.

Fairfax County Government urges resident to be patient at gas stations and avoid hoarding gas. Officials believe purchasing more gasoline than needed can prolong the shortages.

To find gas stations with available fuel near you, visit www.gasbuddy.com.

Fairfax County Fire and Rescue is also urging residents to safely store extra gasoline. The fire department says gas is highly flammable and is a serious fire hazard if not dispensed or stored properly.

While residents are urged to avoid purchasing more gas than they need immediately, the fire department provided the following safety tips from the Virginia Department of Fire Programs for storing extra gasoline:

• Do not dispense flammable fuels in portable containers over 6 gallons.
• Containers should be listed and approved for the flammable liquid intended for the portable container.
• Portable containers should have a tight closure with a screwed or spring-loaded cover to prevent spills and vapors from escaping.
• When transporting gasoline in a portable container make sure it is secured against tipping and sliding, and never leave it in direct sunlight or in the trunk of a car.
• Do not dispense flammable fuel into portable cargo tanks or any other container not listed for flammable liquids.
• Never fill a container while located in the trunk, passenger area of a car or in the bed of a pickup truck.
• Place all containers on the ground and clear of any possible ignition sources such as the exhaust from a vehicle.
• Fill portable containers slowly to decrease the chance of static electricity buildup and minimize spilling or splattering and keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the container opening while refueling. Fill container no more than 95 percent full to allow for expansion.
• If gasoline spills on the container, make sure that it has evaporated before you place the container in your vehicle and report spills to the station attendant.
• Never smoke around flammable fuels.