Rocky Mountain Power is reminding people that metallic balloons can be hazardous around power lines and other electrical equipment.
Upon making contact or becoming entangled with power lines, metallic balloons can conduct electricity. That contact can damage power lines and can cause power outages to nearby homes or businesses or power fluctuations that can damage home appliances.
Metallic balloons that come in contact with power lines also can cause serious injury to anyone holding the balloons or strings, or any persons who attempt to retrieve the balloons.
Rocky Mountain Power encourages the following precautions:
Keep balloons indoors, where they can't come into contact with overhead power lines or other electrical equipment.
Make sure the string for each balloon is securely attached and short enough to control its direction.
Attach a weight to the balloon's string so it cannot float away.
Supervise children who have received balloons as a gift.
Never intentionally release balloons.
Deflate balloon after the holiday or occasion and keep it as a memento or dispose of it properly. (Birds and squirrels have been known to carry balloon remnants onto lines.)
If you notice a metallic balloon near a power line, do not try to retrieve it. Report it to Rocky Mountain Power by calling toll-free at 1-888-221-7070.