HECO warns of metallic balloon dangers | The Honolulu Advertiser

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HECO warns of metallic balloon dangers | The Honolulu Advertiser | Hawaii's Newspaper

Updated at 3:16 a.m., Tuesday, May 6, 2008

HECO warns of metallic balloon dangers

Advertiser Staff

Hawaiian Electric is asking residents to rethink or use caution if gifting helium-filled metallic balloons for Mother's Day or the upcoming graduation season.

Leftunsecured, metallic balloons can float into energized power lines and cause power outages.

"No one likes to be left in the dark," said Ka'iulani de Silva, director of education & consumer affairs for Hawaiian Electric. "Prevention is the key, so we would like to encourage families and friends to consider other gift ideas that are fairly inexpensive, practical, personal and fun."

Hawaiian Electric offers these tips for those who do give or receive metallic balloons:

Always attach a small weight to the end of the ribbon or string that holds the helium-filled metallic balloon to keep it from floating away; some ideas for a weight include a mug, small stuffed animal or a heavy toy.

Do not remove balloon weights until the balloon has been deflated.

Each metallic balloon should be individually attached to a weight; avoid tying the balloons together which has a greater chance of rising as cluster and becoming entangled in power lines.

Never use metallic ribbons with helium-filled balloons; an accidental release could cause the metallic ribbon to become entangled in power lines and cause a short circuit.

Never release metallic balloons into the sky.

Properly dispose of metallic balloons; cut the balloon at the knot or sealing point to deflate it and put the balloon in the trash or save it in a scrapbook.

If a metallic balloon is caught in a power line, do NOT attempt to climb a utility pole or pull the string to recover it.

Leave it alone and call HECO at 548-7961 to report it.

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