Valentine’s Day Safety: Keep Mylar Balloons Away from Power Lines

Mylar balloons can make great Valentine’s Day gifts, if they’re kept indoors or securely tied down, but they can also pose a safety hazard. San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) is urging customers to be aware of the dangers that can arise when Mylar balloons touch power lines.

The metallic coating on Mylar balloons is an excellent conductor of electricity. If a Mylar balloon touches a power line, it could cause a power outage in your neighborhood, and even an electrical fire.

SDG&E reminds all San Diegans:

• Keep Mylar balloons indoors.
• If you see a Mylar balloon at an outdoor gathering, make sure that it is securely tied down or attached to a weight.
• When disposing of a Mylar balloon, make sure to puncture it in several places.  Partially-inflated Mylar balloons can easily become airborne.
• If a Mylar balloon, kite or any object becomes entangled in an overhead power line, call 9-1-1 or SDG&E at 1-800-411-7343.  Do not try to remove it yourself.

For more information on safety, please visit SDG&E’s website at www.sdge.com/safety or call 1-800-411-SDGE (7343).