Graduation Season Safety: Mylar Balloons vs. Power Lines (VIDEOS)

When mylar balloons meet power lines, it can ruin the celebration for everyone. That’s the message that PSE&G officials want to spread in time for Memorial Day weekend celebrations and school graduation season.

PSE&G officials issued the following advisory on Thursday:

“If your spring Memorial Day gatherings and graduation celebrations include metallic balloons, remember to keep them secured at all times… Proper handling and disposal of mylar balloons is essential to preventing them from drifting into power lines and causing power outages. The metallic coating on mylar balloons conducts electricity. Because of this, when a mylar balloon comes into contact with a power line or floats into substation equipment, it can cause a short circuit. This short circuit can lead to power outages, fires and possible injuries.”

To reduce the risk of outages and injuries, PSE&G offered the following tips:

• NEVER touch a power line. Do not attempt to retrieve a balloon, kite, or other types of toys or debris that is entangled in an overhead power line or substation. Call PSE&G to report the problem at 1- 800-436- 7734 so our crews can remove the item safely.
• Mylar balloons and other decorations should be kept away from overhead power lines and all utility equipment.
• Keep balloons tethered at all times. Make sure balloons are secured to a weight that is heavy enough to prevent them from floating away.
• Always properly dispose of mylar balloons by safely puncturing the balloon in several places, releasing the helium that otherwise could cause the balloon to float away.

When mylar balloons do collide with power lines, it can cause havoc. Watch some balloon vs. power line videos below.

YouTube screenshot: PSE&G