Uniondale, NY - May 15, 2018 - The months of May and June are packed with celebrations, including high school and college graduations, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. When planning any outdoor festivities, PSEG Long Island urges customers to think carefully about how they handle Mylar balloons. Though they can make a party more festive, Mylar balloons can also cause power outages when they get loose and come in contact with electrical equipment.
The distinctive metallic coating on Mylar balloons conducts electricity. Because of this, when a Mylar balloon comes in contact with a power line, it can cause a short circuit. This short circuit can lead to power outages, fires and possible injuries.
The safety of our customers is always PSEG Long Island’s top priority. To reduce the risk of outages and injuries, customers should keep the following safety tips in mind:
- Mylar balloons and other decorations 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. Keep balloons tethered and attached to the weights at all times.
- Always properly dispose of Mylar balloons by safely puncturing the balloon in several places to release the helium that otherwise could cause the balloon to float away.
- NEVER touch a power line. Do not attempt to retrieve a balloon, toy or other type of debris that is entangled in an overhead power line. Call PSEG Long Island to report the problem at 1-800-490-0075 so our crews can remove the item safely.
For more kite and balloon safety tips, visit https://www.psegliny.com/page.cfm/Home/Safety/kiteandballoon.
PSEG Long Island operates the Long Island Power Authority’s transmission and distribution system under a 12-year contract. PSEG Long Island is a subsidiary of Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated (NYSE:PEG), a publicly traded diversified energy company with annual revenues of $9.1 billion.