» Before handling the gas pump, touch something metal on your car, such as the door, with your bare hand. This will discharge any static electricity from your body, which could cause dangerous sparks.

» If you forget to touch metal when you get to the gas pump and feel a shock while grabbing the handle, don't remove the nozzle. Doing so would only allow more air to feed the potential fire.

» Don't return to your car seat while the pump is running. The friction of sliding in and out of your car seat can create static electricity, which could spark gas fumes. Rubbing your skin against particular materials — such as Teflon, silicon, vinyl or polyester — can cause static electricity. Plus, your skin collects even more charge in cold, dry weather.

» Listen for a whoosh sound. If you hear it, run away from the pump. That's the sound of a flame igniting.

» Leave your cell phone and pager in the car while pumping gas. Their signals could cause harmful sparks.

» For more information, consult the Petroleum Equipment Institute and the ESD Journal, published by the Electrostatic Discharge Association.