SDG&E Encourages Customers To Keep Mylar Balloons Away From Power Lines

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 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)