Mylar Balloons Can Cause Power Outages

06/04/2019

Balloons can add a festive touch to graduation parties, summer celebrations and other outside gatherings. While they can be colorful and fun, mylar balloons released into the air can contact power lines and darken the revelry with a power outage.

If a metallic balloon touches a power line or floats into a substation, it can cause a surge of electricity, leading to power outages, fires and even injuries.

To reduce these outages and help keep the lights on, follow these simple tips:

Fly metallic balloons indoors, keeping them away from all entrances and exits so they can’t float outside.
If using balloons outside, keep them tethered with weights or securely tied to stationary objects.
Dispose of balloons properly after use by puncturing and deflating them.
Should a balloon contact with a power line and become tangled, do not attempt to retrieve it. Call 1-800-ENTERGY (1-800-368-3749) for help.
Always assume power lines are live, even if there is an outage.

While balloons are common this time of year, so are kites. When flying kites, be sure to pick a wide-open field that is free of trees and power lines.

Never use metal kites or metallic string, as they can conduct electricity.
Do not fly kites on stormy days, as lightning can use the string as a conductor to reach the ground.
If you notice a problem with a power line, keep a safe distance and call 1-800-ENTERGY to report it. If a situation requires immediate police action or other emergency services, call 911.

Entergy Texas, Inc. provides electricity to approximately 450,000 customers in 27 counties. Entergy Corporation is an integrated energy company engaged primarily in electric power production and retail distribution operations. Entergy owns and operates power plants with approximately 30,000 megawatts of electric generating capacity, including nearly 9,000 megawatts of nuclear power. Entergy delivers electricity to 2.9 million utility customers in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. Entergy has annual revenues of approximately $11 billion and more than 13,000 employees.

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