Photo: Keegan Turnbough
(Des Moines, IA) -- Central Iowans can exchange their old gas can for a new, metal safety can Saturday, June 11th at the Metro Northwest Transfer Station in Grimes.
The annual event honors 10-year-old Christopher Allsup from Winterset, who died in 2013 when an outdated gas container exploded.
His family formed The Legacy of Christopher Allsup Foundation in 2014 to educate the public about the dangers of outdated portable gas containers. According to the news release, the foundation is partnering with Safe Kids Greater Des Moines, Blank Children's Hospital, and Metro Waste Authority to host the eighth annual gas can exchange.
At the Metro Northwest Transfer Station at 4105 SE Beisser Drive in Grimes from 8-10 a.m. on Saturday, Iowans can exchange their old gas can for a new, metal safety can with a flame arrestor, which prevents sparks from entering the container and igniting the fuel.
Event organizers state the following:
"Gas containers brought for exchange must be surrendered for a new safety can. Containers will be accepted empty or with gas inside; however, no gas can be poured off. Exchanges will be made on a first-come, first served basis, and participants will be required to sign a liability waiver."
More information on the event, as well as how to manage waste and other safety tips, can be found here.