Mylar Balloons May Cause Power Outages

If you celebrate with Mylar balloons, remember to keep them tied down at all times and dispose of them properly.

Mylar balloons have a metallic coating that conducts electricity very well and can cause power outages and personal injury if mishandled. Mylar balloons should be kept secured at all times and never be released to float through the air. If they rise into electrical lines, they can cause sparks and arcing that can cause fires in addition to power outages resulting in no electricity to homes, businesses, traffic lights and other services.

Even if a Mylar balloon misses a power line, after being released into the air, they have been known to stay afloat for several days before losing their helium and falling back to earth, which can result in falling into power lines.

The following safety tips will help keep your celebrations safe when using metallic-based balloons:

• Always attach weights to Mylar balloons and do not remove them.
• When possible, keep metallic balloons indoors.
• Never release Mylar balloons into the air.
• Do not bundle metallic balloons together.
• Never tie a Mylar balloon to the arm of a child.

If any type of balloon, kite or toy becomes caught in power lines, please leave it alone and call Springville City Power at (801) 489-2750 to report the problem.
 

*Permission granted by the Salt Lake Tribune to use above content
      

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