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The Petroleum Equipment Institute is working on a campaign to try and make people aware of fires as a result of "static" at gas pumps. This company has researched 150 cases of these fires. The results were very surprising:

1. Almost all cases involved the person getting back in their vehicle while the nozzle was still pumping gas, when finished and they went back to pull the nozzle out the fire started, as a result of static.



2. It is the vapors that come out of the gas that cause the fire, when connected with static charges.



3. There were 29 fires where the vehicle was reentered and the nozzle was touched during refueling from a variety of makes and models. Some resulting in extensive damage to the vehicle, to the station, and to the customer.



4. Seventeen fires that occurred before, during or immediately after the gas cap was removed and before fueling began.



5. They stress NEVER to get back into your vehicle while filling it with gas. If you absolutely HAVE to get in your vehicle while the gas is pumping, make sure you get out, close the door TOUCHING THE METAL, before you ever pull the nozzle out. This way the static from your body will be discharged before you ever remove the nozzle.

1. Out of 150 cases, almost all of them were women.



2. Most men never get back in their vehicle until completely finished. This is why they are seldom involved in these types of fires.



3. Most had on rubber-soled shoes.



4. Don't ever use cell phones when pumping gas.

You can find out more information by going to www.pei.org. Once there, click in the center of the screen where it says "Stop Static".