Parents, who are planning to purchase their children giant bouquets of shiny metallic balloons to celebrate graduation, take note: Utility companies from coast-to-coast are asking you to attach mylar balloons to a weight before giving them as gifts.
In many communities electric companies are urging parents and other family members to bypass the popular shiny balloons all together, and stick with the traditional rubber variety. According to utility workers, unsecured metallic balloons can be a hazard when they float into energized power lines and cause a short circuit. The short circuit can lead to a larger power outage, which can inconvenience thousands of residents and businesses.
While most balloon retailers add light weights to the end of balloon strings, it is still important to either hold on to the balloons or anchor them to heavy objects if you plan to use them as decorations. By doing so, you can prevent your helium-filled gifts from flying up into the sky.
To avoid having expensive mylar balloons take-off unexpectedly, follow these tips:
Attach balloons to a small weight, such as a mug, toy, or bag of candy.
Each metallic balloon should be individually attached to a weight. Do not tie the balloons together, as they have a greater chance of floating away and becoming entangled in power lines.
Do not remove balloon weights until the balloon has been deflated.
Never use metallic ribbons with helium-filled balloons; an accidental release could cause the metallic ribbon to become entangled in power lines and cause a short circuit.
Never release mylar balloons into the sky.
To properly dispose of mylar balloons, cut the balloon at the knot or sealing point to deflate it, and place the balloon in the trash or save it in a scrapbook.
Finally, if a metallic balloon is caught in a power line, do not attempt to climb a utility pole to recover it. Rather, call the electric company and an experienced crew member will remove it properly.
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