#United States #Oakland #Pacific Gas #Valentine's Day #Electric Company

PG&E's Important Safety Message for Valentine's Day

As we approach the lovely day of romance, Valentine's Day, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is raising awareness about the hidden dangers of metallic balloons. Every year, a significant increase in the sale of metallic balloons coincides with this celebration, leading to unintended hazardous situations, particularly involving power outages caused by these seemingly innocent decorations.

In 2024 alone, PG&E recorded a staggering 369 power outages that were directly attributable to metallic balloons, affecting over 230,000 homes and businesses across its service area in Northern and Central California. Compared to latex balloons, metallic balloons have an alarming tendency to linger in the sky for two to three weeks, making it even more important to manage them safely.

Ron Richardson, PG&E's Vice President of Electric Distribution Operations, cautions that “nothing can dampen a romantic evening quicker than a widespread power outage.” The company has taken proactive measures to educate its customers on how to enjoy Valentine’s Day safely while preventing unfortunate incidents related to balloon mishaps.

Essential Safety Tips for Valentine's Day

To safeguard against outages and ensure that everyone can celebrate without interruption, PG&E recommends the following guidelines:

1. Stay Alert!: Always be aware of overhead electric lines when celebrating with metallic balloons. Remember, it's crucial to “Look Up and Live!”
2. Secure Your Balloons: Ensure that metallic balloons are securely tied to weights that are heavy enough to prevent them from floating away. Removing the weight is never recommended.
3. Dispose Wisely: After your celebration, do not release balloons into the air. Instead, puncture them several times or cut the knot to ensure they don’t drift away and dispose of them in the garbage.
4. Emergency Response: If you witness balloons or any foreign objects tangled in power lines, resist the urge to retrieve them. This could pose a serious risk of electrocution. Instead, contact PG&E at 1-800-743-5000 to report the situation.
5. Stay Clear of Downed Lines: Any power line that has fallen or is hanging must be treated with caution. Always consider them energized and extremely dangerous. If encountered, keep a safe distance and promptly call 911 to alert local authorities.

Conclusion

This Valentine’s Day, PG&E encourages all residents to be responsible and proactive in handling metallic balloons. The goal is to avoid causing disruptions that could affect their neighbors and the community, ensuring a harmonious celebration of love and romance. For more information and additional safety tips, visit the PG&E website at pge.com.

About PG&E

Pacific Gas and Electric Company is a major combined natural gas and electric utility, serving more than 16 million people across an expansive 70,000 square miles in Northern and Central California. Stay safe and enjoy Valentine's Day responsibly!