Contact between helium-filled metallic balloons and utility wires could cause electrical shock injuries, electrocution, power outages
There are lots of ways to say you care on Valentine’s Day.
If your way includes balloons – specifically, helium-filled, metallic ones – then put your heart into making sure they steer very clear of power lines, utility wires and guy wires.
As an electrocution lawyer, I applaud the following helpful safety tips from Pacific Gas & Electric Company:
- “Use caution and avoid celebrating with metallic balloons near overhead electric lines.”
- “Make sure helium-filled metallic balloons are securely tied to a weight that is heavy enough to prevent them from floating away. Never remove the weight.”
- “Never attempt to retrieve any type of balloon, kite or toy that becomes caught in a power line. Leave it alone, and immediately call [your local utility] to report the problem.”
- “Never go near a power line that has fallen to the ground or is dangling in the air. Always assume downed electric lines are energized and extremely dangerous. Stay far away, keep others away and immediately call 911 to alert the police and fire departments.”
Power outages and fires
In addition to creating the risk of electrical shock injuries and/or electrocution, helium-filled, metallic balloons that come into contact with power lines can cause power outages and fires.
According to the PGEC, in 2016, “metallic balloons striking electric lines caused 429 power outages” in Northern and Central California and “a metallic balloon striking a power line sparked the Webb Fire which burned 75 acres southeast of Oroville,” California.
