PG&E to Graduates: Toss Caps in the Air, Not Metallic Balloons

Core Points - PG&E warns about the public safety risks associated with helium-filled metallic balloons during graduation season, emphasizing the need to secure them with weights to prevent them from floating away and contacting power lines [1][3] - In the first five months of 2025, metallic balloons caused over 130 power outages in PG&E's service area, affecting more than 54,000 customers, with critical facilities like hospitals and schools being disrupted [2] - Metallic balloons can conduct electricity due to their silvery coating, leading to potential short circuits and power outages when they come into contact with power lines [4] Safety Recommendations - PG&E advises customers to keep helium-filled metallic balloons securely tied to a weight to prevent them from floating away [7] - Customers are encouraged to keep metallic balloons indoors when possible and to avoid releasing them outside [7] - In case of a balloon getting caught in a power line, PG&E recommends not attempting to retrieve it and to report the issue immediately [7]