Dear Readers: In a recent column, Katrina S. wrote, "When I am filling the gas tank, I take those few minutes to round up and dispose of stray litter in the car." Some readers wrote about the warnings at gas pumps stating that you should never re-enter the vehicle while fueling due to static electricity. Thanks for pointing out the extremely rare possibility of a spark from static electricity causing a flash fire at the gas tank refill opening.
My readers are the best, and here are some of the comments:
J.L., sent via email: " many stations have safety tips posted on their gas pumps, and it may be worth reminding your readers to take note."
Joe Q. in Florida wrote: "WHOA!!! When you are filling your gas tank is not the time to multitask. You should be standing at the pump so if the auto-stop fails to function you can grab the handle and stop the flow of gasoline. Heloise, how did you let this one get through?" Heloise here: I was not thinking in terms of all the possibilities, but you are right. It only takes ONE in a zillion times to happen. Note to self and readers: Take the time to read through the safety warnings posted on or near the gas pump.
Fredericka in Benham, Texas, wrote: "This could be very dangerous because of the possibility of static electricity even in the coldest weather, I will not enter my car during fueling."
EXTRA ICE
Dear Heloise: My husband and I camp. We reuse plastic bladders from boxed wine. When the bladder is empty, we rinse it out and put the bladder into a pan or plastic tray that fits in the ice chest. Fill the bladder so that it is level with the top of the tray, replace the plug and freeze.
When frozen hard, put into your ice chest. They fit perfectly in our ice chest and do not leak water into the food.-Sharon S. in Thornton, Ark.