Graduation Season Safety Tips by PG&E
As graduation season approaches, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is urging graduates and their families to prioritize safety while celebrating this exciting milestone. A focus has been placed on the risks associated with helium-filled metallic balloons, which, if not properly secured, can lead to dangerous situations. These balloons are often seen as festive additions to graduation celebrations, but they pose a significant threat to public safety.
Throughout the opening months of the year, PG&E has reported a concerning trend where metallic balloons in the service area have caused numerous power outages. In 2025 alone, over 130 such incidents interrupted service for more than 54,000 customers, affecting essential services like hospitals and educational institutions. PG&E consistently observes an increase in outages related to metallic balloons during this celebratory season.
Ron Richardson, Vice President of Electric Distribution at PG&E, stated, "While releasing balloons may seem like a celebratory act, contact with overhead power lines can lead to widespread outages. We encourage graduates to celebrate responsibly by ensuring balloons are secured at all times."
Metallic balloons are made with a silvery coating that acts as a conductor of electricity. When they manage to escape and touch power lines, they can create short circuits, damage transformers, and even lead to melting electrical wires. Incidents from past celebrations highlight these dangers; at a homecoming parade, for example, a balloon crash with a power line resulted in power loss for over 2,700 customers, disrupting celebrations.
Understanding the Risks of Metallic Balloons
It's crucial to recognize how metallic balloons can compromise safety. The ability of these balloons to conduct electricity means that any uncontrolled release into the air can result in serious risks, from causing power outages to potential hazards for the public. PG&E stresses the importance of keeping graduates safe by securing balloons properly with weights, preventing them from floating into dangerous areas.
Precautionary Measures for Celebration
PG&E provides several safety tips to help ensure that graduation festivities remain joyous and trouble-free:
- “Look Up and Live!” Prioritize safety by celebrating away from overhead electric lines.
- Always attach helium-filled metallic balloons to a weight that will keep them grounded and never remove that weight.
- Whenever possible, keep metallic balloons indoors. Releasing them outdoors should be strictly avoided.
- Avoid bundling metallic balloons together—this increases the risk of them floating away.
- If a balloon gets stuck in a power line, do not attempt to retrieve it. Instead, contact PG&E at 1-800-743-5000.
- Keep a safe distance from downed power lines, assuming they are energized and dangerous. In case of such incidents, call 911 immediately.
About PG&E
Pacific Gas and Electric Company is a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE: PCG) and serves over 16 million customers across a vast area in Northern and Central California. Their mission is to provide safe and reliable natural gas and electric services. For further updates and information, visit pge.com, and stay informed about safety measures, particularly during the graduation season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are metallic balloons, and why are they risky?
Metallic balloons are balloons made with a conductive surface that can cause electrical issues when they come into contact with power lines.
How many outages did PG&E report due to metallic balloons?
In 2025, PG&E reported over 130 outages caused by metallic balloons, affecting more than 54,000 customers.
What steps should I take to celebrate graduation safely?
Ensure metallic balloons are securely tied to weights, keep them indoors, and celebrate away from overhead power lines.
What should I do if I see a balloon caught in a power line?
Do not attempt to retrieve it; instead, call PG&E at 1-800-743-5000 for assistance.
What is the main message PG&E wants to convey this graduation season?
PG&E emphasizes the importance of securing metallic balloons to prevent power outages and maintain safety during celebrations.
