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Step 1
Choose well-lit gas stations that have video surveillance at the pump. Busy stations are your best bet, as are those near police or highway patrol stations.
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Step 2
Remove your keys and lock your car doors while pumping gas. If you see suspicious activity while pumping, keep your finger poised over the panic button on your car keys if you have one.
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Step 3
Wait for the pump nearest the building at large, deserted gas stations so the attendant will be more likely to notice if there is trouble.
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Step 4
Keep valuables out of pain sight in your vehicle. They should be in the trunk, glove compartment or in nondescript bags on the floor.
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Step 5
Stay alert while pumping gas. Don't chat on your cell phone or zone out.
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Step 6
Check underneath and in the back of your car before getting back inside. It may seem paranoid, but there's a chance someone could have slipped in while you weren't looking.
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Step 7
Remain at the pump while refueling. Getting back into the car can cause a buildup of static electricity which may discharge at the fuel point causing a flash fire. Touch something metal when you get out of the car to discharge static.
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Step 8
Use only approved gasoline containers placed on the ground to avoid a possible static electricity ignition of fuel vapors.
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Step 9
Leave the area immediately and call for help if a fire starts while you're refueling. Do not remove the nozzle from the vehicle or try to stop the gasoline flow.
