Graduation Season Is Here. Don’t Zap Power Lines With Balloons, Drones

NEWARK, NJ — This spring, graduation season will bring joy to students across New Jersey, who will celebrate their well-earned scholastic milestones with some undoubtedly epic bashes. But according to PSE&G, there are a few party favors that can potentially ruin the fun for the entire neighborhood – and they’re expected to cause a headache again this year.

The utility provider recently issued a reminder to revelers in the Garden State, asking them not to let foil-coated balloons, kites or drones go crashing into power lines.

Seem harmless? These flying toys can quickly “go from fun to deadly” if they get entangled in power lines, sparking outages that can lead to fires and injuries – or really tick off your neighbor when the electricity goes out.

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Each June, the number of reports about Mylar balloons coming into contact with PSE&G’s equipment nearly doubles. And when metal and electric mix, it can be a recipe for disaster, the Newark-based utility company says:

“Metal is an especially effective conductor of electricity, and that includes the metallic coating on Mylar balloons. When a Mylar balloon comes in contact with a power line, it can cause a short circuit. Mylar balloons can also stay inflated for two weeks or more. When a Mylar balloon touches a power line or floats into substation equipment it can cause a short circuit. This contact can lead to downed wires, power outages, fires and injuries. Balloons also can harm wildlife when they accidentally ingest popped balloon fragments or become entangled in balloon string.”

PSE&G isn’t trying to crash the party – only make sure that it goes down safely, spokespeople say.

“We want customers to know the risks and take steps to ensure their recreational activities and celebrations are a success,” vice president of electric operations Jack Bridges said.

HOW TO AVOID PROBLEMS

PSE&G offered the following safety tips for people who are flying balloons, kites or drones this graduation season:

• Always follow all applicable laws and regulations to include Federal Aviation Administration requirements.
• Never try to remove anything caught in power lines or in electric substations.
• Never fly kites in the rain or during electrical storms.
• Never cross a road or street while flying a kite or holding a balloon.
• Kites, Mylar balloons and drones should be kept away from overhead power lines and all utility equipment.
• Make sure balloons are secured to a weight that is heavy enough to prevent them from floating away.
• Always properly dispose of Mylar balloons safely by puncturing the balloon in several places to release the helium and prevent the balloon from flying away.
• Drones should be kept at least 200 feet from power lines, substations, etc., so you have time to maneuver the remote-controlled aircraft away from electrical equipment.

OOPS! IT HIT THE LINE … WHAT DO I DO NOW?

If something gets tangled in a power line, call PSE&G immediately at 1-800-436-PSEG (7734).

“If your kite, balloon or drone has flown into some utility lines: Do not try to dislodge any object that is stuck in a power line,” spokespeople advised. “Extending poles or sticks of any kind toward a power line can expose you and others to electrocution hazards.”

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