how can the build up of static electricity be avoided? is the only way to dissipate it to ground oneself out and suffer that electrical shock from the discharge?

Wondergirl

Rub yourself with dryer softener sheets. Carry some with you too and use as needed.

caibuadday

this is how I do to avoid the shock, hold a metal object(key) and touch a grounding surface( metal doors, elevator, railing)

tkrussell

To discharge yourself, hold a metal object, such as keys, used as a probe to come up to a grounded metal surface, to drain any charge with no sensation felt.

Certain synthetic clothing and shoes worn on dry low humidity days helps to create the charge, most times unavoidably.