Roses are Red, Chocolate is
Sweet.
Don't Let Wayward Balloons Cause an Outage
on Your Street
OAKLAND,
Calif., Feb. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- More
metallic balloons are sold for Valentine's Day than any other
holiday and, not surprisingly, it's also around this time of year
that Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) sees an uptick in
outages caused by metallic balloons drifting into overhead power
lines. With Valentine's Day just around the corner, PG&E
reminds its customers to make sure metallic balloons are always
tied to a weight – as required
by California law – and to never release them
outdoors.
In 2024, metallic balloons caused 369 power outages across
PG&E's service area in Northern and Central California,
disrupting electric service to more than 230,000 homes and
businesses. Unlike latex helium balloons, metallic balloons can
stay inflated and floating for two to three weeks – posing a hazard
to power lines and equipment even days after being released
outside.
"On Valentine's Day, nothing puts a damper on a romantic evening
faster than a widespread power outage. If your February 14 plans include metallic balloons,
please keep them tied down with a weight. If they contact our
overhead lines they can disrupt electric service to an entire
neighborhood, cause significant property damage and potentially
result in serious injuries," said Ron
Richardson, PG&E's Vice President of Electric
Distribution Operations.
Here's an example of what can happen when metallic balloons hit
utility power lines:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqFm52C1n5Q
In order to significantly reduce the number of balloon-caused
outages and to help ensure that everyone can safely enjoy their
Valentine's Day, PG&E reminds customers to follow these
important safety tips for metallic balloons:
- "Look Up and Live!" – Use caution and avoid celebrating
with metallic balloons near overhead electric lines.
- Make sure helium-filled metallic balloons are securely tied
to a weight that is heavy enough to prevent them from floating
away. Never remove the weight.
- When done with balloons, do not release them. Puncture
them several times or cut the knot and throw them in the garbage to
prevent them from floating away.
- Do not attempt to retrieve a balloon — or any
foreign object — tangled in power lines or inside a substation.
There can be risk of electrocution. Instead, leave it alone and
call PG&E at 1-800-743-5000 to report the problem.
- Never go near a power line that has fallen to the ground
or is dangling in the air. Always assume downed electric lines are
energized and extremely dangerous. Stay away, keep others away and
immediately call 911 to alert the police and fire departments.
About PG&E
Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a
subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG), is a combined
natural gas and electric utility serving more than 16 million
people across 70,000 square miles in Northern and Central California. For more information,
visit pge.com and pge.com/news.
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SOURCE Pacific Gas and Electric Company
