What’s all the static? Published Feb. 10, 2009 By Staff Sgt. Michelle S. Humann 5th Bomb Wing Ground Safety MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Remember those adolescent years shuffling socked feet across the carpet then while using an index finger to touch a sibling on the arm or cheek. Zap! Static electricity can be generated in numerous ways and can be very dangerous. One of the most common and problematic causes of static electricity occurs when re-fueling - particularly when getting in and out of a vehicle on cool or cold, dry days while putting gas in a car. Some people wait in their vehicles to keep warm and then get out of their vehicle without grounding themselves, touch the fuel nozzle causing static electricity, and possibly a fire. Another cause of fires from static electricity is from leaving a vehicle running while re-fueling. This event has been on the rise the last few years. Gas stations are now posting the warning signs on the poles and gas pumps. For example, here at Minot AFB, the gas pump reads, "Static electricity starts fires. Please turn off vehicles at the pump." Warning stickers posted at gas stations tell motorists not to smoke during refueling and not to leave the car engine on. Until recently there have been few warnings about the hazards of static electricity during refueling. The main concern was filling portable containers--people were told it is better to place the containers on the ground during refueling. Fires started at gasoline pumps by static electricity can be easily avoided. The goal is to avoid generating static electricity during the refueling process. Be sure to release any static buildup before touching the pump nozzle or anything near the fuel-tank opening. According to a spokesman with the Petroleum Equipment Institute, there is one simple rule which should solve most of the problems. That rule is not to enter a car while refueling. There will not be a static buildup when sitting down in the car, which appears to be the leading cause of these fires. The institute also said 75 percent of the victims are women, because they are more likely to get back in the car to get their purse or to check on a child. Before handling a pump, make sure to be free of static-electricity sparks. This can be accomplished simply by touching a metal part of a car somewhere away from the fuel-tank opening and the nozzle. Another option: experts suggest touching the metal with the knuckles as there are fewer nerve endings. In any event, play it safe and do not re-enter a vehicle when visiting a service station. The average fill up time is only about two minutes. Are the potential benefits of that one item in the car worth the risk?