(May 25, 2017- Newark, N.J.) - If your spring Memorial Day gatherings and graduation celebrations include metallic balloons, remember to keep them secured at all times. Public Service Electric and Gas (PSE&G), New Jersey's largest utility, reminds customers that proper handling and disposal of Mylar balloons is essential to preventing them from drifting into power lines and causing power outages.

The metallic coating on Mylar balloons conducts electricity. Because of this, when a Mylar balloon comes in contact with a power line or floats into substation equipment it can cause a short circuit. This short circuit can lead to power outages, fires and possible injuries.

The safety of our customers is always PSE&G's top priority. To reduce the risk of outages and injuries, customers should keep the following safety tips in mind:

  • NEVER touch a power line. Do not attempt to retrieve a balloon, kite, or other types of toys or debris that is entangled in an overhead power line or substation. Call PSE&G to report the problem at 1-800-436-7734 so our crews can remove the item safely.
  • Mylar balloons and other decorations should be kept away from overhead power lines and all utility equipment.
  • Keep balloons tethered at all times. Make sure balloons are secured to a weight that is heavy enough to prevent them from floating away.
  • Always properly dispose of Mylar balloons by safely puncturing the balloon in several places to release the helium that otherwise could cause the balloon to float away.

For more kite and balloon safety tips, visit: https://www.pseg.com/home/education_safety/safety/kiteballoon.jsp

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Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G) is New Jersey's oldest and largest regulated gas and electric delivery utility, serving nearly three-quarters of the state's population. PSE&G is the winner of the ReliabilityOne Award for superior electric system reliability. PSE&G is a subsidiary of Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated (PSEG) (NYSE:PEG), a diversified energy company.

Visit PSEG at:
www.pseg.com
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PSEG blog, Energize!

PSEG - Public Service Enterprise Group Inc. published this content on 25 May 2017 and is solely responsible for the information contained herein.
Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 25 May 2017 14:25:17 UTC.

Original documenthttps://www.pseg.com/info/media/newsreleases/2017/2017-05-25.jsp#.WSboTXJQiUk

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