Arizona Public ServiceDemonstration of Mylar balloon arcing as it comes into contact with power lines.
Mylar balloons can be a popular Valentine’s Day tradition. But those shiny, helium-filled novelties can cause fires and blackouts if they come into contact with power lines. Screw Balloon
The balloons triggered 60 power outages last year, affecting about 30,000 Arizona Public Service customers.
"If you’re going to purchase Mylar balloons, celebrate inside. That allows us to celebrate yet keep control of those and dispose of them," said Frank Sanderson, safety manager for APS.
Sanderson recommends puncturing and deflating the balloons before putting them in the garbage can.
Silver Latex Balloon KJZZ is a service of Rio Salado College, and Maricopa Community Colleges Privacy Policy | FCC Public File | Contest Rules Copyright © 2023 KJZZ/Rio Salado College/MCCCD