Uniondale, NY - May 31, 2016 - As PSEG Long Island closes out Electrical Safety Month, the utility is reminding customers to use precautions when decorating with Mylar balloons. Each year across the country, hundreds of thousands of consumers experience power outages caused by Mylar balloons contacting electrical equipment. Proper handling and disposal keeps the balloons from drifting into power lines and causing a power outage.
With spring in full swing and summer quickly approaching, it’s the time of year that customers begin to hold events and celebrations outdoors. Mylar balloons are festive decorations, but when not secured properly, they can also pose a safety hazard to the electric system.
The metallic coating on Mylar balloons conducts electricity. Because of this, when a Mylar balloon comes in contact with a power line, it can cause a short circuit. This short circuit can lead to power outages, fires and possible injuries.
The safety of our customers is always PSEG Long Island’s top priority. To reduce the risk of outages and injuries, customers should keep the following safety tips in mind when celebrating outside:
- NEVER touch a power line. Do not attempt to retrieve a balloon, toy or other type of debris that is entangled in an overhead power line. Call PSEG Long Island to report the problem at 1-800-490-0075 so our crews can remove the item safely.
- Mylar balloons and other decorations should be kept away from overhead power lines and all utility equipment.
- Make sure balloons are secured to a weight that is heavy enough to prevent them from floating away. Keep balloons tethered and attached to the weights at all times.
- Always properly dispose of Mylar balloons by safely puncturing the balloon in several places to release the helium that otherwise could cause the balloon to float away.
For more safety information, tips and videos visit here.
PSEG Long Island operates the Long Island Power Authority’s transmission and distribution system under a 12-year contract. PSEG Long Island is a subsidiary of Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated (NYSE:PEG), a publicly traded diversified energy company with annual revenues of approximately $10.4 billion.