Metallic balloons can cause power outages if not handled with care — with approaching holidays and graduations, that risk increases from February to June.

To prevent outages and keep your community safe, secure metallic balloons to a weight, as required by state law, and never release them outdoors.

“When metallic balloons float into electrical equipment, the contact can cause outages, fires, damage and possible injuries,” said Scott Mitchell, Southern California Edison principal manager of Wildfire and Public Safety. “That’s because the coating on metallic balloons conducts electricity, which can cause a short circuit or power surge if it touches a power line.”

Last year balloons caused 515 outages across SCE’s service area, impacting 765,213 customers. While that’s a 4% reduction from 2023, customers still felt the effects.

Some of the most affected cities were Long Beach, with 30 outages impacting 39,098 customers, followed by Downey, with 20 outages impacting 18,246 customers.

If you happen to see a balloon, kite, toy, drone or any other object get caught in a power line, do not try to recover it. Call 911 or report it to SCE’s emergency line at 1-800-611-1911.

If you encounter a downed power line, assume it is energized and stay at least 100 feet away. From a safe location, call 911 and inform the operator it’s an electrical emergency.

Do not approach or touch anyone or anything in contact with a downed power line because the area may be electrified.

Keeping that in mind, consider opting for an alternative balloon that can be just as cheerful but won’t pose as much risk for power outages. Plus, other options are better for the environment.

For more information on public safety, visit sce.com/safety.