Safe storage of HHW always begins with reading the label on each hazardous product brought into the home. Following the directions for use, storage, and disposal will generally be all you need. Here are some general guidelines to minimize the hazards.

• Keep products in an appropriate container. When possible, leave products in their original containers. Store gasoline, diesel, and kerosene in safety-approved containers.
• Make sure all products are clearly labeled. Write the date of purchase on products before storing them in order to keep track of the age of each product. For long-term storage, place waterproof transparent tape over product labels to prevent labels from falling off or becoming unreadable. Consider writing the words DANGER and DO NOT OPEN on the container.
• Buy hazardous products in childproof packaging. Never put hazardous products in food or beverage containers because children who are unable to read can recognize familiar containers.

• Store all hazardous products in locked cabinets or in other secure structures. Never leave hazardous products out in the open and unattended - most poisonings occur while the product is in use.
• Be sure shelves are firmly secured to the walls or are in sturdy structures. The best type of shelf for storing hazardous products has an anti-roll lip.
• Store hazardous products at or below eye level. This will help prevent dangerous spills that could occur when retrieving a product. Avoid storing products more than two-deep on a shelf. Avoid storing hazardous products on the floor to prevent containers from accidentally being knocked over. Materials used to clean up a spill of HHW (e.g., towels, rags, etc.) also become HHW and require the same special disposal.
• Do not allow products to spill or mix together because toxic or explosive reactions can result. For example, chlorine bleach and ammonia separately produce irritating fumes, but when they combine can form a poisonous gas. Dangerous situations can occur if fertilizers containing ammonium nitrate become contaminated with a petroleum product, such as motor oil or kerosene.

• Keep products out of the reach of children and animals.
• Keep flammable, explosive, and aerosol products away from sources or heat, spark, flame, or ignition. Store corrosive and reactive products separately if possible to prevent dangerous reactions from occurring if there is a leak or spill. Pesticide products should be stored in a locked cabinet, separate from all other products. If a product has more than one hazardous property, store it according to the hazard classification other than toxic. Keep containers dry to prevent corrosion.
• Never store rags contaminated with flammable solvents inside because they can spontaneously start on fire. Follow the directions on the product label regarding the disposal of solvent-covered rags. If there are no directions, place the rags in an airtight, metal container, properly label the container, and store the container outside your house, away from other structures. Another option may be to volatilize (evaporate) the solvent before throwing the rags away, but only in a well-ventilated area away from all sources of heat, spark, flame or ignition.
• Keep at least one working ABC-rated, or Multi-Purpose Dry Chemical, fire extinguisher in your home. Having additional extinguishers near each hazardous product storage area is preferable.