Community Corner

ComEd: Keep Mylar Balloons Away From Power Lines

A safety reminder from ComEd.

Warm weather brings outdoor parties for graduations, birthdays and weddings, but it also brings power outages when Mylar balloons from those festivities come into contact with power lines. So far this year, Mylar balloons have caused power outages affecting approximately 11,000 customers. That number will rise this summer unless people take precaution and secure balloons when using them outdoors.

The number of customers affected by Mylar balloon-related outages from Jan. 1 through May 2 is significantly higher than the 6,700 customers impacted for the same period in 2011. In fact, approximately 900 ComEd customers experienced a Mylar balloon-related outage on May 2 onChicago’s North Side.

When a Mylar balloon contacts a power line or a part of substation equipment, its metallic properties can cause a surge of electricity that can in turn cause the equipment to short-circuit. And the spark could lead to a power outage or fire.

ComEd encourages customers to help reduce Mylar balloon-related power outages and ensure safety by keeping the following tips in mind:

  • Keep balloons tethered at all times and attached to weights.
  • Properly dispose of Mylar balloons by puncturing the balloon to release helium that otherwise could cause the balloon to float away.
  • NEVER touch a power line. Do not attempt to retrieve a balloon or toy that is entangled in an overhead power line. For assistance, call ComEd at 1-800-EDISON-1 (800-334-7661).
  • Always assume power lines are live and keep yourself, your belongings and anything you are carrying at least 10 feet away from power lines.

ComEd customers can learn about more safety tips for the season by visiting ComEd.com.

ComEd provided this information.

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