FirstEnergy reminds the public to handle
balloons safely to keep electricity flowing
AKRON,
Ohio, Feb. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- As
Valentine's Day approaches, FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) is
reminding customers to handle helium-filled foil balloons safely to
keep the energy alive this season and year-round. While the company
experienced a decrease in the number of balloon-related outages in
recent years, foil balloons continue to cause power outages when
released outdoors because their metallic coating conducts
electricity and poses a risk to the electric system.
February typically marks the onset of a dramatic increase in
outages caused by metallic balloons that have floated off from
their owners. The balloons often accompany popular Valentine's
Day gifts like chocolates, flowers and cards. Last year, foil
balloons were to blame for 108 power outages across FirstEnergy's
six-state service area.
A video discussing the hazards posed by foil balloons and
tips for safe disposal is available
on FirstEnergy's YouTube
channel.
Lisa Rouse, Director of
Distribution System Operations at FirstEnergy: "The
National Retail Foundation is predicting record spending on
significant others this Valentine's Day, and that includes balloon
purchases. While our community outreach has helped decrease
balloon-related outages in recent years, this holiday
provides an opportunity to educate people of all ages on the
dangers foil balloons pose and how to help keep the lights on in
our local communities."
To help ensure holidays and celebrations are enjoyed
responsibly, it is important to keep these 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. 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.
FirstEnergy is dedicated to integrity, safety, reliability and
operational excellence. Its electric distribution companies form
one of the nation's largest investor-owned electric systems,
serving more than six million customers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New
Jersey, West Virginia,
Maryland and New York. The company's transmission
subsidiaries operate approximately 24,000 miles of transmission
lines that connect the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. Follow
FirstEnergy online at firstenergycorp.com and on
Twitter @FirstEnergyCorp.
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SOURCE FirstEnergy Corp.