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Graduation, Father's Day, July Fourth and the
many other occasions for summer celebrations often come with
brightly colored balloons. While most of us are aware of
the environmental hazards of allowing helium filled balloons to
escape (they burst and come down
where they do not decompose in nature) here is an uncommon and
mostly unknown hazard.
 PECO Urges Keeping Metallic Balloons Indoors
and Away From Power Lines
PHILADELPHIA Earlier this
month, a runaway metallic balloon made contact with a PECO
overhead electric line causing a power outage that left more
than 500 customers without electricity for several hours.
That event, on the morning of May 7 in Bucks County, provided
a graphic reminder of the dangers to electrical lines posed by
metallic balloons and the need to control these balloons,
especially as the graduation and outdoor party seasons begin.
Due to the balloon's metallic properties, they are naturally
drawn to overhead power lines. When they make contact, this
causes a surge of electricity on the line, and the line short
circuits. This can lead to power outages, fires and possible
injuries.
PECO offers several suggestions to help keep the lights on so
that all can safely enjoy this coming graduation and outdoor
party 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. Call 9-1-1.
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!
For more safety information, go to
PECO and
select "Safety" under the "About Exelon" section.
Based in Philadelphia, PECO is an electric and natural gas
utility subsidiary of Exelon Corporation (NYSE: EXC).
SOURCE:
PECO
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