Gas stabilizers, hurricanes, and $6 gas

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It’s hurricane season beginning today. A bunch of folks are predicting above-average activity, meaning more hurricanes than average.

We’re already at $4/gallon for gasoline.$

How much would gasoline go up if we get another Katrina?

Gas before Katrina was in the2.25 range. Then it leaped to $3,$ 3.50 in places before the markets resumed normal operation. An increase of 36%, give or take.

A similar increase today would put gasoline at $6 or so, assuming it would be available.

So this is the time of year to take the 5 gallon gas can to the local gas station, fill it up, and add a gas stabilizer to keep the fuel usable during longer periods of storage. In a Toyota Prius, 5 gallons will get you from Boston to Montreal or New York City – enough to get out of Dodge if things got unpleasant.

What are you doing to prepare for a potentially above-average activity hurricane season?

Comments

12 responses to “Gas stabilizers, hurricanes, and $6 gas”

June 2, 2008

Ed Roberts

The same thing you’d do for a regular hurricane season. Have things available if you live in hurricane prone areas. “Above average” does not mean above average hitting the US. Even if it did, would you prepare any differently?

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June 2, 2008

~bc

It should be noted that the last few seasons since Katrina were also forecasted to be as bad as that year, and that has not resulted in a similar outcome for the mainland US.

Plus, Boston (if you’re writing this for local consumption) is not nearly in the situation that NOLA was. We backfilled the Charles a bunch, but we’re not keeping the sea at bay artificially. Framingham would be even safer.

I do admit to having similar survivalist instincts though, wanting to stock up and stay off the grid. Wish I could actually throw some stuff together without my better half thinking I’ve gone nutso.

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June 2, 2008

Ed Roberts

The same thing you’d do for a regular hurricane season. Have things available if you live in hurricane prone areas. “Above average” does not mean above average hitting the US. Even if it did, would you prepare any differently?

Reply
June 2, 2008

Brian Christiansen

It should be noted that the last few seasons since Katrina were also forecasted to be as bad as that year, and that has not resulted in a similar outcome for the mainland US.

Plus, Boston (if you’re writing this for local consumption) is not nearly in the situation that NOLA was. We backfilled the Charles a bunch, but we’re not keeping the sea at bay artificially. Framingham would be even safer.

I do admit to having similar survivalist instincts though, wanting to stock up and stay off the grid. Wish I could actually throw some stuff together without my better half thinking I’ve gone nutso.

Reply
June 2, 2008

Christopher S. Penn

Ed- yes indeed, I would prepare the same. A few gallons of gas safely stored is always a good idea.

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June 2, 2008

Christopher S. Penn

Ed- yes indeed, I would prepare the same. A few gallons of gas safely stored is always a good idea.

Reply
June 10, 2008

Jeff Demers

Here’s what I’m planning…drive less, make sure the car is driving well and tuned, make sure tire pressure is ok…

More importantly, is yes gas will over $5 bucks if a hurricane threatens the Gulf and maybe over$ 6.00 if one strikes. But what is funny is that unlike after Katrina there are no valid reasons why gas prices are through the roof now…

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June 10, 2008

Jeff Demers

Here’s what I’m planning…drive less, make sure the car is driving well and tuned, make sure tire pressure is ok…

More importantly, is yes gas will over $5 bucks if a hurricane threatens the Gulf and maybe over$ 6.00 if one strikes. But what is funny is that unlike after Katrina there are no valid reasons why gas prices are through the roof now…

Reply
June 11, 2008

Gas Saver Guide

I don’t think there’s any special need to be extra cautious. In my opinion the hurricanes are now forecasted like this so that people will not blame them for being caught off guard. Its been like this the last few seasons since katrina.

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June 11, 2008

Gas Saver Guide

I don’t think there’s any special need to be extra cautious. In my opinion the hurricanes are now forecasted like this so that people will not blame them for being caught off guard. Its been like this the last few seasons since katrina.

Reply
June 17, 2008

H.J. Westervelt

A little emergency preparedness never hurt anyone. While I don’t see my family making any attempts to ‘get out of Dodge’ no matter what the catastrophe, we have some water, chow and staples stashed for a couple of weeks’ worth of the worst. We live in an area that feels pretty insulated (though none of us are, really) and thus are just trying to do generally smart things – get out of debt, learn to do-it-your4self, seeking out alternative energy sources, revisiting field skills long since rendered moot by polite society. *shrug*

Reply
June 17, 2008

H.J. Westervelt

A little emergency preparedness never hurt anyone. While I don’t see my family making any attempts to ‘get out of Dodge’ no matter what the catastrophe, we have some water, chow and staples stashed for a couple of weeks’ worth of the worst. We live in an area that feels pretty insulated (though none of us are, really) and thus are just trying to do generally smart things – get out of debt, learn to do-it-your4self, seeking out alternative energy sources, revisiting field skills long since rendered moot by polite society. *shrug*

Reply