Community Corner
Valentine's Balloons Increase Power Outages
PG&E is asking Valentines to hold onto their metallic balloons.
With Valentine's Day floating on the horizon, PG&E is urging those who buy metallic balloons not to let them drift away, as they could get tangled up in power lines and cause outages.
Last year, according to PG&E, nearly 300 outages in Northern and Central California were caused by metallic balloons hitting power lines. PG&E spokesman Joe Molica said the statistics show spikes on Mother's Day and Valentine's Day.
PG&E is encouraging people to keep the balloons tied with a weight. Company officials also urge residents never to retrieve a balloon that has touched a power line.
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Anyone who sees a metallic balloon caught up in a power line is encouraged to call PG&E immediately at (800) 743-5000.
--Bay City News
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