Fall and winter bring cool, dry air to most parts of the country and with them, ideal conditions for the buildup of static electricity. Unfortunately, refueling your buses can be dangerous in the presence of heavy static, especially in gasoline-powered vehicles. The static, which is usually caused by a motorist rubbing against a seat or other fabric surface during refueling, can spark when the motorist touches metal, igniting a fire. The American Petroleum Institute and the Petroleum Equipment Institute estimate that more than 150 vehicle fires have been caused by this phenomenon in the past few years. Here are some tips for avoiding refueling fires: • Turn off vehicle during refueling • Turn off any auxiliary sources of ignition or energy • Do not smoke, light matches or have any open flame nearby • Do not re-enter your vehicle when fueling. If you do, touch something metal before touching the fuel pump • If fueling a portable container or tank, make sure it is on the ground and never refuel while inside a vehicle • Minimize spilling and splattering and never top off Source: Lancer Insurance