FirstEnergy Reminds Customers to Keep the Energy Alive this Valentine's Day by Properly Handling Foil Balloons

Rhea-AI Summary

On February 8, 2021, FirstEnergy urged customers to handle foil balloons safely to prevent power outages, especially around Valentine's Day. Last year, 132 outages were linked to foil balloons, marking a 25% rise from 2019. The company noted that stray balloons can interfere with high-voltage equipment, posing safety risks. With February typically seeing an uptick in such incidents, FirstEnergy recommends securing helium balloons, puncturing them after use, and avoiding releasing them outdoors. Their safety campaign aims to reduce balloon-related outages and educate the public on electrical safety.

Positive

• Launch of a safety campaign to educate the public on handling foil balloons and electrical safety.
• Encouragement of responsible balloon use could lead to fewer power outages in the future.

Negative

• Increase in foil balloon-related outages, with 132 incidents in the past year, a 25% rise from 2019.
• Potential for continued safety hazards and disruptions due to improper balloon disposal.

AKRON, Ohio, Feb. 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- FirstEnergy is reminding customers to fill the air with love, not helium-filled balloons this Valentine's Day. While foil balloons have increased in popularity as party and drive-by celebration decorations, they continue to cause many power outages because their metallic coating conducts electricity and poses a risk to the electric system.

"Many people are surprised to learn that stray balloons can drift into high-voltage equipment and cause power outages and other safety issues that impact our power system," said Lisa Rouse, director of outage management at FirstEnergy. "Although these balloons are fun and festive, it is important for people to handle them properly so they do not get released into the sky and impact electric service."

Last year, foil balloons were to blame for 132 power outages across FirstEnergy's six-state service area—a 25% increase in balloon-related outages when compared to 2019. Over the past three years, stray balloons have caused about 355 power outages in areas served by FirstEnergy's electric companies.

Due to the popularity of Valentine's Day balloons, February typically marks the onset of a dramatic increase in outages caused by adrift metallic balloons that peaks in June, when warm weather takes celebrations and picnics outdoors. The spike in balloon-related power outages last year is likely attributed to drive-by celebrations during the pandemic. In fact, many outages over the summer coincided with school graduation parades involving dozens of cars decorated with foil balloons and signs.

To help ensure holidays and celebrations are enjoyed responsibly, customers are encouraged to keep the following balloon safety tips in mind:

• Use caution and avoid celebrating with metallic balloons near overhead electric lines.
• Securely tie helium-filled metallic balloons to a weight that is heavy enough to prevent them from floating away. Do not remove the weight until the balloons are deflated.
• Puncture and deflate metallic balloons once they are no longer in use because they can stay inflated for several weeks. Never release them into the sky.
• Never attempt to retrieve any type of balloon, kite or toy that becomes caught in a power line. Leave it alone and immediately call FirstEnergy at 888-544-4877 to report the problem.
• Stay far away from a downed or low-hanging power line. Always assume downed lines are energized and dangerous. Report them ASAP by calling 911.

"By educating the public about the safety concerns that arise when using foil balloons outdoors, we can help keep our local communities safe while reducing the risk of any electric service disruptions," said Rouse.

Visit www.firstenergycorp.com/publicsafety to learn about FirstEnergy's new "Stop. Look. Live." safety campaign to educate the public about staying safe around electricity and near power lines and equipment.

FirstEnergy (NYSE:FE) is dedicated to safety, reliability and operational excellence. Its 10 electric distribution companies form one of the nation's largest investor-owned electric systems, serving customers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland and New York. The company's transmission subsidiaries operate approximately 24,500 miles of transmission lines that connect the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. Visit FirstEnergy online at www.firstenergycorp.com and follow FirstEnergy and its operating companies on Twitter @FirstEnergyCorp, @OhioEdison, @ToledoEdison, @IlluminatingCo, @W_Penn_Power, @Penn_Power, @Penelec, @Met_Ed, @JCP_L, @PotomacEdison, @MonPowerWV.

Editor's Note: A video discussing the hazards posed by foil balloons and tips for safe disposal is available here on FirstEnergy's YouTube channel.

View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/firstenergy-reminds-customers-to-keep-the-energy-alive-this-valentines-day-by-properly-handling-foil-balloons-301224058.html

SOURCE FirstEnergy Corp.

FAQ

What is FirstEnergy's reminder about foil balloons for Valentine's Day 2021?

FirstEnergy advises customers to handle foil balloons carefully to prevent power outages, especially during Valentine's Day celebrations.

How many power outages were caused by foil balloons last year?

Last year, foil balloons caused 132 power outages in FirstEnergy's service area, a 25% increase compared to 2019.

What safety tips did FirstEnergy provide for handling helium balloons?

FirstEnergy recommends securing helium balloons, puncturing them after use, and avoiding releasing them into the sky to prevent outages.

How does FirstEnergy plan to address balloon-related power outages?

FirstEnergy has launched a safety campaign to educate the public on the risks of foil balloons and promote responsible handling.