SAN DIEGO, April 6, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Mylar balloons are
colorful, festive decorations, however, they can also pose a safety
hazard to our electric system if they're outdoors and not securely
tied down. San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) is urging
customers to be aware of the dangers that can arise when Mylar
balloons touch power lines.
The safety of our customers and employees is a top priority at
SDG&E, and these tips should provide some helpful information
should anyone come across Mylar balloons when near power lines.
The metallic coating on Mylar balloons is an excellent conductor
of electricity. When a Mylar balloon comes in contact with a power
line, it can cause a power outage in your neighborhood, and can
even spark an electrical fire.
SDG&E reminds all San Diegans:
- Keep Mylar balloons indoors.
- If you see a Mylar balloon at an outdoor gathering, make sure
that it is securely tied down or attached to a weight.
- When disposing of a Mylar balloon, make sure to puncture it in
several places. Partially-inflated Mylar balloons can easily become
airborne.
- If a Mylar balloon, kite or any object becomes entangled in an
overhead power line, call 9-1-1 or SDG&E at 800-411-7343. Do
not try to remove it yourself.
For more information on safety, please visit SDG&E's website
at sdge.com/safety or call 800-411-SDGE (7343).
SDG&E is a regulated public utility that provides safe and
reliable energy service to 3.4 million consumers through 1.4
million electric meters and 868,000 natural gas meters in
San Diego and southern
Orange counties. The utility's
area spans 4,100 square miles. SDG&E is committed to
creating ways to help customers save energy and money every
day. SDG&E is a subsidiary of Sempra Energy (NYSE: SRE), a
Fortune 500 energy services holding company based in San
Diego. Connect with SDG&E's Customer Contact Center at
800-411-7343, on Twitter (@SDGE) and Facebook.
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SOURCE San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E)