A Reminder from Pepco on Valentine’s Day about Foil Balloons

Pepco officials are reminding residents to hold onto their foil-coated or metallic balloons when outdoors this Valentine’s Day.

According to a Pepco news release,  these free flying balloons result in power outages impacting thousands of customers each year.

When foil-coated balloons contact a power line or other electric equipment, their metallic properties can cause a surge of electricity that can impede equipment, according to Pepco.

Pepco officials have shared the following tips to help reduce foil balloon-related power outages:

• Keep balloons tethered at all times and attached to weights.
• Properly dispose of foil balloons by puncturing the balloon to release helium that otherwise could cause the balloon to float away.
•  NEVER touch a power line. Do not attempt to retrieve a balloon or toy that is entangled in an overhead power line. For assistance, call Pepco at 1.877.PEPCO.62 (1.877.737.2662).
•  Always assume power lines are energized and keep yourself, your belongings and anything you are carrying at least 10 feet away at all times.

About Staff Writer

View all posts by Staff Writer