Reunions, birthdays, weddings, graduations, anniversaries—outdoor celebrations are about spending time with friends and family, recognizing accomplishments, and creating a festive atmosphere with food, music, and decorations. These decorations can include Mylar balloons. Safe Electricity wants you to know about the potential dangers of Mylar balloons so that you and your loved ones can safely enjoy outdoor celebrations.
Mylar balloons are shiny, metallic balloons, which are often filled with helium. The shiny coating is a good conductor of electricity. If a balloon comes in contact with an overhead power line, it will cause a surge of electricity. These surges cause electrical arcs, explosions, and fires. This creates a dangerous situation for people and can cause power outages that require expensive repairs.
With a little care, you can avoid the disastrous aftermath a Mylar balloon can cause. Follow these tips from Safe Electricity when using Mylar balloons:
- While using balloons, keep them weighted down or tethered far from power lines.
- When you are done, deflate the balloon and throw it away. Do not release Mylar balloons.
- Never tie a Mylar balloon to a person’s wrist.
- Do not attempt to retrieve a balloon, or any object that becomes entangled in electrical equipment. Contact your utility for assistance.
To see a video of what happens when a Mylar balloon comes in contact with overhead power lines, visit SafeElectricity.org and watch Kyle Finley’s Live Line Demonstration.
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