Celebrate Safely!

Celebrate Safely! Secure mylar balloons to avoid contact with power lines

Balloons can add the perfect touch to a celebration, whether for a child’s birthday or your sweetheart on Valentine’s Day.

But when mylar balloons float into power lines, they can cause power outages, fires and even injuries.

Not So Fun Fact: Because metallic balloons conduct electricity, they’re responsible for causing more than 400 power outages a year across PG&E’s service area.

Unlike latex helium balloons, metallic balloons can stay inflated and continue floating through the air for two to three weeks. That’s right—after you watch your balloon float up and away, there’s a good chance it will keep floating along until it comes in contact with a power line. And Just one balloon can disrupt electricity service for thousands of customers, causing damage and putting people in harm’s way.

As a reminder, it is against the law in California to release balloons made of electrically conductive materials outdoors. In accordance with the law, and for the safety of yourself and others, use the following precautions when celebrating with metallic balloons:

If you can, choose non-metallic balloons (not mylar) for your celebration.

Secure helium-filled balloons by tying them to a heavy weight.

Be aware of and avoid overhead power lines when outdoors.

Never release balloons outdoors. When finished, puncture the balloon and dispose in the appropriate trash bin so it doesn’t float away.

Never attempt to retrieve a balloon—or any object—that becomes tangled in a power line. Instead, call PG&E at 1-800-743-5000 to report the problem.