This Valentine’s Day on Wednesday, Cupid’s arrow may be flying in the air, but Arizona Public Service cautions residents to keep their Mylar balloons grounded and away from overhead power lines.
If let loose, Mylar balloons can threaten public safety and cause inconvenient power failures.
“There’s no better way to show your loved ones you care about them than helping to keep them safe,” APS Safety Manager Vincent Massey shared in a press release. “Remember, balloons should always be anchored. If they become entangled in power lines, they can cause harm and quickly take the air out of your celebration.”
The metallic coating on Mylar balloons conducts electricity and can cause a short circuit or power surge that can melt electrical wires and spark dangerous fires, damage property and seriously injure people, pets, and wildlife, according to APS. Some balloons can remain inflated and float for weeks after they are released until they strike a power line.
Every year, APS crews respond to many avoidable power failures caused by balloons. In 2023, balloons were responsible for 107 power outages in APS’s service territory, impacting nearly 100,000 customers.