metallic balloons power lines
Keep the balloons tethered at all times and attached to a weight so they dont float away. The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) reminds our customers that metallic balloons, or Mylars, can cause power outages and pose a public safety risk. Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. In the J.D. If your Valentines Day festivities take you outdoors, keep your balloons securely fastenedor attached to a weight. Please enter valid email address to continue. For LADWPs COVID-19 response, visit www.ladwp.com/covid19response. Unlike latex balloons, Mylar balloons can stay inflated and float in the air for two weeks or more, posing a safety risk to our utility workers and the public, says Andrew Kendall, LADWP Senior Assistant General Manager, Power System Construction, Maintenance and Operations. 2022 Entergy Corporation, All Rights Reserved. 
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter, YouTube and Flickr. For more information, please call 1.800.411.7343. The metallic coating on Mylar balloons conducts electricity, and can cause a short circuit or power surge when in contact with power lines. For all other inquiries, please contact Customer Support Meeting California's ambitious greenhouse gas emission reduction goals will require a significant electrification of homes and other buildings. This surge not only is capable of knocking out power, but also can cause fires, property damages and possible injuries. Install u-shaped wind stakes over the base of the trampoline and into the ground.
Colorful, shiny metallic balloons are a popular gift at graduations, birthdays and special occasions, but they can pose a safety hazard if improperly used or disposed. balloons have been identified as the cause of more than 500 power outagestoour regions electrical system.
Over two weeks in May 2018 (May 14-27), Mylar balloons caused 36 community-wide outages and affected more than 43,300 homes and businessesnearly 45 percent of the total number of customers affected by power outages during those two weeks. Releasing latex or mylar balloons into the air is also banned in some areas, including inparts of Maryland. The San Francisco-based company provides energy to almost 16 million people in northern and central California. Call 1-800-DIAL-DWP (1-800-342-5397). The Lineworker Scholarship Program provides opportunities for a diverse range of people to become SCE lineworkers. |
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Proper handling anddisposalkeeps them from drifting into power lines and causing a power outage. They and the Balloon Council, an industry trade group, also advise consumers to puncture and deflate the balloons before throwing them out. Powered by JettyManage My Subscriptions, DWP-NC MOU and Advocacy Committee Meetings, April 23, 2022 | Chatsworth Nature Preserve Earth Day Open House, May 21-22, 2021| Municipal Green Building Conference & Expo (MGBCE), April 30 May 3, 2021 | Natural History Museum City Nature Challenge, Keep Mylar balloons away from power lines, Never use metallic ribbon with metallic balloons, Always deflate metallic balloons and dispose of them properly when no longer in use. Keep metallic balloons indoors, and never release them outside. Edison International's call to action for utilities, governments and communities to invest now in a climate-resilient electric grid and other critical infrastructure, based on findings from SCEs Climate Adaptation Vulnerability Assessment. SCEs 2019 data-driven analysis of the steps that California must take to meet the 2045 goals to clean our electricity grid and reach carbon neutrality. Power 2018 Gas Utility Business Customer Satisfaction Study SM BGE received Best in Customer Satisfaction with Business Natural Gas Service in the East. Edison Energy and its subsidiaries are not the same company as Southern California Edison, the utility, and they are not regulated by the California Public Utilities Commission. Success! The metallic coating that gives them their bright, festive color is a conductor for electricity andwhat causes an electric outage when helium-filled metallic balloonscome in contactwith power lines. First published on October 2, 2020 / 5:03 PM.
(800) 655-4555, To receive alerts via SMS, text keyword EDISON to (612) 225-9509. When laid on top of each leg of the trampoline, they provide enough weight to hold it down. These shorts can cause fires and outages. It takes only one metallic balloon to inconvenience thousands of customers, sometimes leaving them in the dark for hours. Other times, OPPD troubleshooters patrolling a line will encounter the objects. If you see a metallic balloon caught in a power line, DO NOT attempt to climb a utility pole or pull the string to recover it. Sometimes they try to take advantage of customers by posing as utility employees. accounts, the history behind an article. Rubber balloons have been around since the 1800s, but the first modern-day latex balloon which was shaped like a cat's head was sold in Massachusetts in 1931, according to the European Balloon & Party Council. The library zone below is used to load resources. Weve been delivering safe, affordable, reliable electricity for well over a century. Latex and metallic balloons dont decompose and will stay in the environment for hundreds of years. Metallic balloons owe their shiny, silvery surface to a type of metallized nylon that can conduct electricity. Always assume that power lines are energized. Keep Mylar balloons away from power lines.
BGE, founded in 1816 as the nation's first gas utility and headquartered in Baltimore, is Maryland's largest natural gas and electric utility. 2020 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. Mylar balloons have also proved to be a constant menace to utilities and fire departments. 2022.
OPPD troubleshooters sometimes find things tangled in power lines: tree branches, shoes, foil balloons and yes, even trampolines. Legal Statement. The animals also can become entangled in the string.
Sometimes they cause an explosion and fire, sometimes they cause an entire neighborhood to go dark. ICE Limitations. Leave it alone and call Hawaiian Electric's trouble line at one of the following to report it: Metallic balloons are commonly, but incorrectly called "Mylar.". It does not appear on display pages. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. "We thought with virtual graduations it would level off but it didn't, as there were drive-by celebrations using just as many balloons.". of Energy to delay Diablo Canyon closure, Controversy over Asian American education embroils Capitol, Response to June 9, 2022 Editorial The Voice of the Unheard by Managing Editor Nathaniel Arroyave. Our employees are known for their volunteerism, from cleaning beaches to feeding the homeless. balloon, or any object,entangled in an overhead power line,pleasecall9-1-1 orSDG&E at 800-411-7343. For assistance, call BGE at 1-800-685-0123.
Springfield, IL 62711. Call Hawaiian Electric's Trouble Line at one of the following for assistance. We're examining whether renewable energy and other cleaner sources can help lessen the need for new power plants in California. Copyright 2022 Hawaiian Electric Company, Inc. BALTIMORE (Feb. 13, 2019) While that special someone may catch your eye this Valentine's Day, don't lose sight of foil-coated balloons that can lead to outages when they come into contact with power lines. Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. Threats of harming another The California utility recorded 80 outages in February involving balloons and 217 in June. One OPPD troubleshooter said balloons are the equivalent of tossing an aluminum foil ball into a power line. Keep balloons tethered at all times and attached to a weight. Do not remove balloon weights until the balloon has been deflated. 4440 Ash Grove Dr., Suite B Some ideas for a weight include a mug, small stuffed animal or heavy toy. Mylar balloons are the metallic shiny, silver-like balloons which cause thousands of power outages each year when they float away and come into contact with power lines. Each metallic balloon should be individually attached to a weight. A technical error has occurred. Metallic balloons are never used in balloon releases. Here are some tips for properly grounding the trampolines so they dont become airborne: When a foil balloon, or trampoline, which have metal components, touches a power line, it can cause a surge of electricity that shorts out circuits or other electrical equipment near the line. Scammers dont always hide behind a telephone. "The supervisor had them come down away from the area, but it could have been really dangerous.". Entergy is asking everyone to keep safety at the forefront when celebrating by following these helpful tips: For additional safety information and tips, visit entergy.com. We are using battery energy storage to help create a cleaner, more resilient grid. Please provide us the specific location. balloon by fully deflating itso that it doesnt get loose and float away. Hawaiian Electric cares about your safety and offers the following information: Year-round, residents and businesses experience power outages caused by unsecured metallic balloons drifting into energized power lines. Keep metallic balloons indoors, and keep them away from all entrances and exits so they cant float outside. to report a power outage. The Importance of Science, Evidence, and Process by Dr. George Fareed, Scientific community asks Sec. SCEs vision of the future electric grid to enable efficient integration of clean resources, support customer adoption of new technologies and ensure climate adaptation and resilience. If a balloon or another toy becomes entangled in an overhead power line, do not attempt to retrieve it. The Clean Energy Access Working Group was launched through a groundbreaking partnership to help ensure no community is left behind as we move toward a clean energy future. Power 2017 and 2018 Electric Utility Business Customer Satisfaction Study SM BGE was ranked Highest in Customer Satisfaction with Business Electric Service in the East among Large Utilities. Always deflate metallic balloons and dispose of them properly when no longer in use. For the City of LAs COVID-19 response, visit corona-virus.la
If loose balloons come into contact with power lines, they can cause explosions, power outages, downed power lines, and much more that can result in extremely dangerous risks to public safety. SCE recommends these simple safety rules for handling metallic balloons: More information on metallic balloon safety can be found at www.sce.com/metallicballoons. Powered and implemented by FactSet. or water main break : They can drift for miles eventually settling on the ocean surface where they mimic the appearance of jellyfish or other food sources for birds, turtles, fish and other marine life which are unable to digest the material and inevitably die. Use the 'Report' link on Mylar balloons should be flown indoors, or tethered with weights or securely tied if used outside, according to utility officials, who have issued public appeals in states from Connecticut to Texas. Always assume power lines are live and keep yourself, your belongings and anything you are carrying at least 10 feet away from power lines. One item that might surprise you: trampolines. Avoid tying the balloons together which has a greater chance of rising as a cluster and becoming entangled in power lines, increasing the chances of electrical problems or power outages. If you celebrate with metallic balloons, remember to keep them tethered at all times and dispose of them properly. IMPERIAL COUNTY Due to recent power outages caused by metallic balloons, Imperial Irrigation District wishes to remind customers to not release these balloons into the outdoors, according to a press release. There are many misconceptions about metallic balloons, and The Balloon Council is working to educate the public and create awareness about good balloon management practices. Sometimes, a foil balloon can sit among the power lines and not cause a fault or outage. We urge our customers to heed this warning and do their part in keeping their communities safe.. Metallic balloons should have both a printed warning of possible danger from contact with electric power lines and identification of the manufacturer. ROSEMEAD, Calif., Feb. 15, 2012 Valentine's Day has come and gone, but Southern California Edisons heartfelt message to Californians is that metallic balloons still can cause power outages if not handled properly. LinksSouthern California Edison Metallic Balloon Hazards Graduate Too From Bad to WorseZ107.7 A Look at the Danger of Mylar Balloons by Heather Clisby, Southern California Edison Metallic Balloon Hazards Graduate Too From Bad to Worse, Z107.7 A Look at the Danger of Mylar Balloons by Heather Clisby, A REMINDER FROM THE CHP ABOUT CHILD SAFETY SEATS, REACH-OUT MORONGO BASIN OFFERING FREE TRANSPORTATION, MORE ABOUT A 77-YEAR-OLD ARRESTED FOR ATTEMPTED MURDER, EDISON MAKING IT EASIER TO SAVE THE FAMILY CAT. Two years earlier, a bouquet of metallic balloons drifted into transmission power lines in Tehama County, starting the Deer Fire, which burned more than 11,000 acres over several days. Since the shiny surface is a "conductor," it will create a short circuit. Where are you going to dive in this summer? Proper handling and disposal of the balloons ensures they wont cause a problem.
Call your electric utility for assistance. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Releasing balloons away from power lines doesnt get you in the clear however as these balloons can fall back to earth in remote areas, where they can be mistaken for food to local wildlife. When a line technician encounters a trampoline in a line, they often end up cutting it in half. As fuel for transportation, electricity makes sense. Get the latest local news delivered right to your inbox! Dispose of metallic balloons properly by puncturing and deflating them before placing in a recycling or trash container. And because trampolines are made with aluminum, removing them safely from lines can be tedious.
Do not try to remove it yourself. Metallic balloons are made from a non-biodegradable plastic or metallized nylon. IID: Metallic Balloons and Power Lines Dont Mix, IMAGE COURTESY OF IMPERIAL IRRIGATION DISTRICT, 2021 Calexico Chronicle, 1239 W. Main Street, El Centro CA 92243, Chronicling Our Community, Border Region, and Beyond Since 1904, Start typing to see results or hit ESC to close, Reps 4 Vets to Establish Permanent Office in 4:13 Fitness, Imperial County Sheriffs Office Briefs: July 13-19, Brawley Man Pleads Not Guilty in Fatal 2021 Shooting, Family Fun Fridays Make a Splash in Calexico, Help Us Investigate Mental Health Conservatorships in San Diego, Imperial Counties, Community Input Sought for CERF Grant Application, Free Dumpster Disposal Event at Caltrans Facilities, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lc86LBS4G4s&list=UL, Sheriffs Deputy Dies in Collision West of Imperial; Department IDs Him, Slab City Murder Probe Pushes in New Direction, Family of Slain El Centro Man Grateful for 2nd Arrest, Family Man, Retired Farmer, 89, Killed in Hit and Run; Suspect Out of Custody, Boards On the Clock to Fill Gonzalez-Buttners Seats, Holtville High Seniors Set Sights on Future, Imperial Public Library Awarded $100,000 Grant. Partially inflated. Stray metallic balloons cause an average of 200 power outages a year in L.A. LOS ANGELES (June 11, 2018)During this time of year, flower leis, personalized cards and balloons are popular gifts for graduation ceremonies as well as Fathers Day. Never release metallic balloons into the sky. These balloons also have been known to float for days and can end up having a negative impact on the environment. Baltimore Gas and Electric Company (or "BGE") received the highest score in the East Large segment of the 2018 Electric Utility Business Customer Satisfaction Study and the East Region of the 2018 Gas Utility Business Customer Satisfaction Study of electric and gas utility customer satisfaction among business customers. We're modernizing the grid to support California's transition to a clean and sustainable future. SCE says that these costly disruptions are entirely preventable by keeping balloons tied to weights and kept indoors. Never use metallic ribbon with metallic balloons.
You have permission to edit this article. NEVER touch a power line. Here you can watch as the utility assists with a swimming pool installation. Because these metallic-coated balloons that can be bought at any party supply store can cause an electrical surge when they come into contact with power lines or substation equipment. The metallic coating on the balloons conducts electricity and can cause a short circuit or power surge when in contact with power lines, which can lead to large-scale power outages, melting of electrical wires, and fires, leading to possible injuries and property damage. The company's approximately 3,200 employees are committed to safe and reliable energy delivery to more than 1.25 million electric customers and more than 650,000 natural gas customers in central Maryland. Keep your distance and immediately call 1-800-ENTERGY (1-800-368-3749). But when buying Mylar balloons, keep in mind that unless theyre closely controlled, they can cause power outages. Each year, Mylar balloons cause approximately 200 power outagesabout one Mylar-related outage every other day in the City of Los Angeles. To reduce the risk of outages and potential injury, IID suggests the following tips to properly handle Mylar balloons: If you see a Mylar balloon that has contacted a power line, keep yourself, your equipment, and all other items and people at least 20 feet away and report it by calling IID at 1-800-303-7756.
The culprit? Is there a difference between grass or corn finished beef? But when a line technician tries to remove it, the balloon could move and short out the circuit. Energy news from Omaha Public Power District. If you see a downed power line, do not approach it or touch the line or any person or object in contact with the downed line. Site Map
Heart-shaped metallicballoons, while festive on Valentines day, can be dangerous and cause power outages if not tied down properly, accidentally float away and get entangled in high voltage power lines. Always deflate metallic balloons and dispose of them properly when no longer in use. Share with Us. Balloons should always be tethered and attached to weights.
Most balloons produced in the U.S. already carry such notices. Here are some good-to-know facts about metallic balloons: Easy web browsing for customers with disabilities, Privacy Policy
When a metallic balloon slips from the string or is not held properly with a weight, it will fly away and potentially become caught or entangled in power lines. www.ladwp.com/CustomerService, To report a power outage Continuous Service for Property Owners & Managers. Our utility, Southern California Edison,is working to incorporate more clean energy into the grid every day. Helium-filled metallic balloons can drift and come in contact with high-voltage lines where electricity can arc across the balloons, cause short circuits, burn wires and interrupt service. Always assume that power lines are energized.
Media Contact: Paul Klein, (626) 302-2255. This can lead to large-scale power outages, melting of electrical wires, and fires, leading to possible injuries and property damage. In addition, outages caused by balloons can often result in traffic congestion due to disrupted traffic signals, and cause a significant inconvenience for residents and business owners who lose power. Instead, call SCE at. BGE encourages customers to help reduce foil balloon-related power outages and ensure safety by keeping the following tips in mind: BGE customers can learn about more safety tips for the season by visiting bge.com. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, Florists and other merchants should always make certain that Mylar balloons are properly weighted, and should remind their customers not to release them outdoors. Be Truthful. These types of outages can be prevented. Chinese, Korean and Spanish-speaking spokespersons are available for interviews. Please contact our Customer Care Center if you have questions. The safety of our customers and utility workers is always LADWPs top priority. Use only non-metallic string and make sure it is tied securely to the balloon at the sealing point. Balloons Are Fine Until Tangled In Power Lines, Metallic balloons should always be secured with weights as required by California law, Never attach metallic streamers to balloons, Balloons should never be released outdoors, When disposing of the balloons, puncture them to release the helium, which prevents them from flying away, Do not try to retrieve balloons tangled in power lines or electrical equipment. October 2, 2020 / 5:03 PM Are Microwaves Being Weaponized - And Against Whom? Copyright 2022 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. She has nearly 20 years of print journalism and design experience, including the Omaha World-Herald. To reduce the risk of outages and potential injuries, here are some important tips on how to safely and properly handle Mylar balloons: The above safety tips for proper handling of Mylar balloons are taken from California Penal Code Chapter 1559 Section 653.1.
