Mylar Balloon Caused Power Outage In Greenwich Sunday: Eversource

Greenwich CT

05 April, 2022

12:41 PM

Description

GREENWICH, CT — A mylar balloon was the cause of a power outage in Greenwich last weekend, according to Eversource. Mitch Gross, a spokesperson for the utility company, said the outage occurred around 6 a.m. Sunday on Milbank Avenue after a mylar balloon got loose and became entangled in power lines. About 650 customers lost power, but service was restored by 8:30 a.m. Aside from interference with electrical wires, these types of balloons pose risks because of the material they're made out of. "There's a silver metallic coating on a mylar balloon. That coating conducts electricity, so if the balloon makes contact with the power lines you have the potential for problems: damaged lines, damaged equipment, power outages," Gross said. There is usually an uptick in these kinds of incidents as the weather gets warmer and more celebrations are held outside, Gross said. Gross said weights can be used to secure balloons so they don't float away. Balloons should never be used with metallic ribbons, or tied to yourself or a child. Balloons should be deflated and thrown away after use. Never attempt to retrieve a balloon that's entangled in electric lines. "Call your utility company," Gross said. "Let us handle it."