SAN FRANCISCO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–California’s graduation season has begun and Pacific Gas and Electric
Company (PG&E) is warning customers about the public safety risks
associated with helium-filled metallic balloons. If your graduation
celebration involves balloons, make sure they are secured with a weight.
Otherwise they can float away and come into contact with overhead power
lines, causing a public safety risk.
In the first four months of 2019, metallic balloons striking electric
lines have caused nearly 120 power outages in PG&E’s service area alone,
disrupting service to more than 65,000 customers. These power outages
can interrupt electric service to critical facilities such as hospitals,
schools and traffic lights.
“Graduation season is a happy time for California students and families,
filled with school commencements and celebrations. But the mass balloon
releases we often see at graduation ceremonies can quickly put a damper
on the fun. When metallic balloons make contact with power lines, they
can cause widespread power outages and jeopardize public safety. We urge
everyone to celebrate responsibly and secure metallic balloons with a
weight,” said Mike Kress, PG&E’s Senior Director of Electric
Distribution Operations.
Metallic balloons have a silvery coating, which is a conductor for
electricity. If the balloons float away and make contact with power
lines, they can short transformers, cause power outages and melt
electrical wires, causing public safety risks. Last June, more than
6,000 San Francisco customers were without power after metallic balloons
released during a graduation ceremony came into contact with overhead
power lines. PG&E tends to see an increase in balloon-caused outages
during graduation season.
To help ensure that graduation balloon celebrations are enjoyed
responsibly, PG&E reminds customers to follow these important balloon
safety tips:
-
“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 possible, keep metallic balloons indoors. Never permit metallic
balloons to be released outside, for everyone’s safety. - Do not bundle metallic balloons together.
-
Never attempt to retrieve any type of balloon, kite or toy that
becomes caught in a power line. Leave it alone, and immediately 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 far away, keep others away and
immediately call 911 to alert the police and fire departments. Other
tips can be found at pge.com/beprepared
About PG&E
Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E
Corporation (NYSE:PCG), is one of the largest combined natural gas
and electric utilities in the United States. Based in San Francisco,
with more than 24,000 employees, the company delivers some of the
nation’s cleanest energy to nearly 16 million people in Northern and
Central California. For more information, visit www.pge.com/
and www.pge.com/en/about/newsroom/index.page.
Contacts
Media Relations
415-973-5930
