Keep mylar balloons indoors and away from power lines

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - A PECO advisory for graduates and their families — please keep mylar balloons secure for end-of-school parties and outdoor celebrations. Runaway metallic balloons stick to aerial power lines and can cause unwanted power outages.

Due to the balloonÂ’s metallic properties, they are naturally drawn to overhead power lines. When they make contact, it causes a surge of electricity on the line and the line short circuits. This can lead to power outages, fires and possible injury.

PECO offers these safety suggestions to help keep the lights on so that all can safely enjoy this season:

• Keep metallic and all other types of balloons indoors and away from overhead power lines. Even non-metallic balloons can become entangled in lines and cause an outage.

• Keep balloons tethered at all times.

• Never use balloons, kites, model airplanes and other toys near overhead power lines.

• If a balloon or another toy becomes entangled in an overhead power line, don’t climb the pole or make any attempt to retrieve it. Instead, call your local utility.

• Always assume power lines are live. Always keep yourself, your equipment and all other items, including toys, at least 10 feet away from power lines. Never assume that a power line is safe to touch. Stay away. Stay safe.

Based in Philadelphia, PECO is an electric and natural gas utility subsidiary of Exelon Corporation. PECO serves 1.6 million electric and 485,000 natural gas customers in southeastern Pennsylvania and employs about 2,500 people in the region.