This was sent to me by my sister, whose daughter-in-law's brother works for GM in Michigan. This is important, current and very valuable information. Please read and don't delete until you get to the end. Darryl Widman, KF6DI

Sorry if you get this more than once! Please pass it on!

Subject: Car Fires / Static

Ironic. I was just out at the (GM) Proving Grounds on Tuesday and we saw a presentation on electronic magnetic discharge. We were told that vehicles contain more and more electronics - items like CD players, OnStar, satellite radio, in addition to cruise control, ABS, on-board diagnostics to electronically controlled fuel injection. All of this put together with vehicle materials, such as the Scotch Guard on the seats, creates more static. That's why you are more likely to get shocked just getting in and out of your car.

At MPG (Milford Proving Grounds), they stressed the two most important points to remember are: Don't use cell phones while fueling (what about Amateur Radios?) Don't go sit in your car while filling up the tank - especially in dry (and cold) winter conditions

Subject: Stop Static

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

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

2) 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.

3) Most had on rubber-soled shoes.

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

5) Don't ever use cell phones when pumping gas

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

7) 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.

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

Mr. Renkes stresses to NEVER 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.

As I mentioned earlier, The Petroleum Equipment Institute, along with several other companies now, are really trying to make the public aware of this danger. You can find out more information by going to http://www.pei.org. Once here, click in the center of the screen where it says "Stop Static".

I ask you to please send this information to ALL your family and friends, especially those who have kids in the car with them while pumping gas. If this were to happen to them, they may not be able to get the children out in time.

Thanks for passing this along.