HECO cautions of metallic balloon hazards
Advertiser Staff
With graduation coming up, Hawaiian Electric Company is reminding the public that metallic, helium-filled balloons can be hazardous if they drift into energized power lines and cause a short circuit.
HECO offers the following tips:
� Attach a small weight � such as a mug, toy of bag of candy � to the string or ribbon attached to the balloon.
� Do not remove the weight until the balloon has been deflated.
� Each balloon should be attached to its own weight. Avoid tying a number of balloons together; there is a greater chance of them rising as a cluster and becoming entangled in power lines.
� Never use metallic ribbons with helium-filled balloons.
� Never release metallic balloons into the sky.
� Dispose of metallic balloons properly; cut the balloon at the knot or sealing point.
If a metallic balloon is caught in a power line, do not attempt to recover it.
Call HECO at 548-7961 to report it.
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