If this scenario is only for power outages and not weather related per se, I would also consider the local street dept. Some of the ones here have the bulk tanks.

School bus garages also have bulk tanks. As do some college campuses for their fleet cars.

Ask the farmer. If you only are going to put the fuel into your generator, etc. then simply ask. Most of the farmers I know will gladly let you take 2-3 gallons from a 5,000-10,000 bulk tank. Just remember to offer to provide compensation (apple pies work ) if you need the fuel that badly. BTW, since my family has said bulk tank on their farm, I know that the route driver usually fills it once per year, IIRC the tank holds 3,000 gallons, I know it is not much, but it also gets mostly used by mid-November. Just before Thanksgiving the tank is refueled and the additive added for the winter. The driver puts number 1 diesel (since it is lighter in viscosity) into the tank and because farm fuel is not considered "road fuel" the taxes are less.

In the rural counties of South Central Idaho I know a lot of the homes have propane bulk tanks around them. There is a demand for propane powered generators.

I concur though about stealing from some. I know several who would just shoot first and then bury you. "There's a lot of BLM ground around here, I doubt you'll be missed any time soon. By the time anyone notices, the coyotes have gotten you." I hear that said alot by some farmers, ranchers and some very independent rural families.

Just my 2 cents worth.

Stargazer