Celebrating Grads Asked To Secure Balloons To Avoid Power Outages

BAY AREA, CA -- PG&E officials are asking this year's graduates in the Bay Area to secure helium-filled metallic balloons with weights because the balloons can cause power outages if they hit power lines.

This year, loose metallic balloons that have hit power lines have caused nearly 180 power outages in PG&E's service area. That's a 14 percent increase over 2015, according to PG&E officials.

The power outages can affect critical facilities, such as hospitals, and schools and traffic lights.

Also see:

• California Pastry Chef Shares Coveted Strawberry Almond Cupcake Recipe
• Your Divorce Is Not Part Of Your Teen's Graduation

--Bay City News/Morguefile image