| Many homes use oil for heat. Oil furnaces require | | | | causing corrosion? Inspectors also check for the |
| a large supply of fuel to be stored somewhere | | | | sturdiness of the tank's legs and the soundness of |
| near your house. These oil tanks can be an | | | | its foundation. |
| extreme fire or environmental hazard if they are | | | | If your tank shows signs of damage and the |
| not properly maintained and regularly checked for | | | | potential to break down and leak, it should be |
| leaks. Even the smallest of leaks can significantly | | | | replaced as soon as possible. Make sure the tank |
| contaminate the surrounding groundwater and | | | | is completely empty before attempting to move |
| nearby private wells. Furthermore, leaking fuel oil | | | | it. Any unused tanks should be removed and |
| can seep into a home's basement and pollute the | | | | disposed of properly. |
| indoor air quality. | | | | If a leak is discovered or a spill occurs, you must |
| As a homeowner who uses oil for heating, it is | | | | take the proper steps to ensure your safety. |
| your responsibility to clean up any spills and report | | | | First, make sure there is no source for ignition of |
| any leak or spill that could potentially pose a health | | | | the fuel oil. Then immediately contact your heating |
| risk to those nearby. Cleaning up an oil leak can be | | | | company. They have experience dealing with oil |
| extremely expensive and may not be fully | | | | leakage and will be able to offer assistance. Try |
| covered under homeowner's insurance. This | | | | to contain as much of the spill as possible. Any |
| expense and the threat to you, your family and | | | | absorbent materials you have on hand, such as |
| your neighbors can be eliminated by taking the | | | | rags or kitty litter, should be used to contain the |
| proper preventative steps to ensure your fuel oil | | | | leak. Do not flush the area with water, as this |
| tank is free of leaks and has a sound structural | | | | causes the oil to seep into the groundwater. |
| strength. | | | | Properly dispose of any contaminated material. |
| A registered and licensed heating and cooling | | | | Your municipality or town hall can tell you where |
| contractor should always install an oil tank. Oil | | | | to dispose of materials contaminated with fuel oil. |
| tanks need to be installed in an easily accessible | | | | Your homeowners insurance company should be |
| area and approved by the proper environmental | | | | contacted so they can inspect the damage and |
| city/town authorities. Heating companies should | | | | possibly offer assistance in cleanup. |
| inspect your tank yearly to make sure it is still in | | | | Be sure to have your oil tank inspected regularly. |
| good condition and not in danger of leaking. Are | | | | The costs and environmental risks of having a |
| there any wet spots or dents on the body of the | | | | leak are much too high. |
| tank? Is there water in the tank that is now | | | | |