Community News

Mylar Balloons Cause Power Outage in Arlington

Mylar balloons are shinier than latex balloons because they are made of two different materials. The base material is mylar, which is a type of nylon, while the outer, thin layer is foil, which is aluminum. (Photo: Adobe Stock licensed to The Zebra Press)
Mylar balloons are made of two different materials. The base material is mylar, which is a type of nylon, while the outer, thin layer is foil, which is aluminum, which can wreak havoc on electric lines. (Photo: Adobe Stock licensed to The Zebra Press)

ARLINGTON, VA – According to officials at Dominion Energy, mylar balloons were the direct cause of a large power outage in Arlington, Virginia early Tuesday morning.

“In the overnight hours, mylar balloons came in contact with our power lines, causing a short circuit or power surge which put 2085 customers in the dark,” said Dominion Energy media and communication manager, Peggy Fox.

Mylar balloons are the metallic shiny, silver-like balloons available anywhere these days, from gift shops to grocery stores. The balloons, which can stay inflated for two weeks or more, have a metallic coating that conducts electricity that can cause a short-circuit or power surge when they contact power lines

Dominion Energy and electric companies across the country warn it is essential to handle these balloons properly and ensure they do not get released into the air. If loose balloons come into contact with power lines, they can cause explosions, power outages, downed power lines, and more, resulting in hazardous risks to public safety.

In the case of Arlington yesterday, Fox said, “The balloons damaged a circuit which had to be replaced.  Fortunately, there was no fire, and our crews were able to gradually switch customers to other circuits. Power was restored to all of those customers by 5 a.m.– in under three hours from when the outage began.”

Safety Tips:

  • Keep balloons indoors
  • Metallic balloons should always be secured with weights
  • Never attach metallic streamers to balloons
  • Balloons should never be released outdoors
  • When disposing of the balloons, puncture them to release the helium, which prevents them from flying away
  • Do not try to retrieve balloons tangled in power lines or electrical equipment

TRENDING NOW: Still Time to Register for East Greenway Walk in Alexandria, April 23-24

 

 

 

Mary Wadland

Mary Wadland is the Publisher and Editor in Chief of The Zebra Press, founded by her in 2010. Originally from Delray Beach, Florida, Mary is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Hollins College in Roanoke, VA and has lived and worked in the Alexandria publishing community since 1987.

Related Articles

Back to top button