Someone who let go of their Mylar metallic balloon caused a power outage that impacted nearly 900 Imperial Irrigation power customers on Monday April 5th.

At 2:15 in the afternoon, that wayward balloon his power lines in Indio and knocked out power to 876 IID customers in the Coachella Valley.

The metallic coating on these balloons conducts electricity and can cause a short circuit or power surge when the balloon makes contact with  power lines.

This can lead to large-scale power outages, melting of electrical wires, and fires, leading to possible injuries and property damage. In addition, outages caused by balloons can result in significant inconvenience for residents and businesses.

To reduce the risk of outages and potential injury, IID suggests the following tips to safely and properly handle Mylar balloons:

• Never release a Mylar balloon outdoors.
• Keep Mylar balloons away from power lines.
• Use balloon weights.
• Never use metallic ribbons with metallic balloons.
• Always deflate metallic balloons and dispose of them properly when no longer in use.

If you see a metallic balloon that has contacted a power line, keep yourself, your equipment, and all other items and people at least 20 feet away and report it by calling IID at 1-800-303-7756. Always assume that power lines are energized.

Electrician and a repair truck, making repairs at a power pole. Vector illustration.

Photo by Alpha Media USA Portland OR