Everyone loves balloons. Whether it’s at a birthday party, banquet, or a baby shower, balloons are a staple in celebrations for any occasion. However, at the end of the party, what happens to them? Most often, whether intentional or by accident, they are released into the sky. Not only are Mylar balloons harmful to our environment, but these balloons are a major fire hazard.
The thin, plastic polyester film of Mylar balloons can be covered with a metallic coating, giving them the nickname: “foil balloons.” This metal layer is extremely conductive of electricity, which is a problem when they are released. When left to fly alone in the sky, these balloons occasionally float into idle power lines. Once in contact with the live wires, the combination of metal coating and helium can create a power surge that can short circuit the equipment and cause a spark leading to a fire, power outages and even injuries.
In 2018, there were over 1,000 power outages caused by these metallic balloons, impacting millions of people. Even though it’s the law that these balloons are sold attached to a weight, they are most often removed by the consumer. They lose their balloon and their control of what it does to our environment.
In some circumstances, metallic balloons that come in contact with power lines can lead to downed lines, meaning potential fires starting, causing property damage and injuries.
Power outages linked to metallic balloons significantly increase during “Mylar Season,” which takes place during the months of February to June. There is a significant increase in the production and purchase of Mylar balloons during this time due to occasions such as Valentine’s Day and high school and college graduations, where these balloons are common gifts.
Although the goal is to prevent the purchasing of Mylar balloons all together, below are 3 tips from the Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G) to help us stay safe and prevent them from causing fires and power outages from Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G).
- NEVER release Mylar balloons (or ANY BALLOONS in general) into the sky.
- Keep all decorations tethered and AWAY from all overhead power lines and utility equipment.
- NEVER touch a power line. Don’t retrieve a balloon, kite, or other types of toys or debris entangled in an overhead power line or substation.
Click HERE for a fun safety tip from Southern California Edison about metallic balloons and power lines.
