Valentine’s Day comes with all the classics: flowers, chocolates, cards, and shiny, heart-shaped Mylar balloons. They’re festive, eye-catching, and everywhere this time of year. Many people don’t realize that metallic balloons can pose serious safety risks when they float away.
Because Mylar balloons are coated with metal, they conduct electricity. When a person comes into contact with overhead power lines, it can cause more than a quick scare; it can lead to power outages and dangerous situations. Valentine’s Day is actually one of the busiest days of the year for balloon-related outages across the country.
Why Mylar Balloons Can Be Risky
When metallic balloons come into contact with power lines, they can:
- Disrupt electric service to homes and businesses
- Damage electrical equipment
- Create electrical arcs or sparks
- Put people nearby at risk of serious injury
A celebration can quickly turn into an inconvenience, or worse, when a balloon ends up where it doesn’t belong.
How to Celebrate Without the Risk
You don’t have to skip the balloons altogether. A few simple steps can help keep everyone safe:
- Secure helium-filled balloons with a weight heavy enough to keep them from floating away
- Avoid bundling metallic balloons together
- Keep Mylar balloons indoors and never release them outside
- Never attach metallic streamers to any balloon, latex, or metallic
- Properly dispose of metallic balloons by puncturing them or cutting the knot before throwing them away
See a Balloon in Power Lines?
If you notice a balloon or any object tangled in power lines:
- Do not attempt to retrieve it
- Call KUA at (407) 933-9800 so trained crews can handle it safely
Valentine’s Day is meant to be full of love, not unexpected outages. With a little awareness and care, we can keep the lights on and make sure the only sparks this holiday are the good kind.