An estimated 5,020 fires and explosions occurred at public service stations per year from 2004-2008. That means that, on average, one in every 13 service stations experienced a fire. These 7,400 fires caused an annual average of two civilian deaths, 48 civilian injuries and $20 million in property damage.
Safety tips
- Turn off your vehicle’s engine when refueling.
- Don’t get in and out of your vehicle while refueling. A static electric charge can develop on your body as you slide across the seat, and when you reach for the pump, a spark can ignite gasoline vapor.
- Keep gasoline and other fuels out of children’s sight and reach. Gasoline is highly toxic in addition to being a fire hazard. NEVER allow a child to pump gas.
- Don’t smoke, light matches or use lighters while refueling.
- Use only the refueling latch on the gasoline dispenser nozzle, if there is one. Do not jam the latch with an object to hold it open.
- To avoid spills, do not top off or overfill your vehicle.
Thank you to the Westport Fire Department for provide this safety information!