Mylar balloons can be a popular Valentine’s Day tradition. But those shiny, helium-filled novelties can cause fires and blackouts if they come into contact with power lines.
The balloons triggered 60 power outages last year, affecting about 30,000 Arizona Public Service customers.
"If you’re going to purchase Mylar balloons, celebrate inside. That allows us to celebrate yet keep control of those and dispose of them," said Frank Sanderson, safety manager for APS.
Sanderson recommends puncturing and deflating the balloons before putting them in the garbage can.
