SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) wishes its customers a safe and happy new year. Many people will welcome 2016 with fireworks and helium-filled metallic balloons. The utility encourages customers to celebrate responsibly and help prevent fire and electric hazards by following these safety tips.
Firework safety
- Enjoy fireworks away from overhead power lines. Accidental damage to electric lines can cause power outages, fires and serious injuries
- Never use fireworks near dry grass or flammable materials
- Keep a bucket of water or a water hose nearby
- Observe local laws. Contact your local police or fire department to make sure state-approved fireworks are allowed in your area
- An adult should always be present when fireworks are in use
Metallic balloon safety
- Celebrate with helium-filled metallic balloons by making sure they are tied to a weight heavy enough to prevent them from floating into power lines. Do not bundle metallic balloons together
- If a balloon is caught in a power line, contact PG&E immediately at 800-743-5000 to report the problem. Never attempt to retrieve anything that is on or near a power line
- In 2014, more than 300 power outages were caused by metallic balloons in PG&E’s service area, impacting approximately 150,000 customers for more than 11.5 million minutes
Avoid electric hazards
- “Mind the lines!” When making preparations for a New Year’s Eve party, be aware of your surroundings and check for overhead power lines nearby
- Look up before lifting ladders and other long-handled tools outdoors to avoid accidental contact with overhead power lines. Be especially mindful of lines over your roof and lines attached to your home
- Never go near a damaged power line that has fallen to the ground or is dangling in the air. Always assumed downed electric lines are energized and extremely dangerous. Stay away, keep others away and immediately call 911 and PG&E
About PG&E
Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG), is one of the largest combined natural gas and electric utilities in the United States. Based in San Francisco, with more than 20,000 employees, the company delivers some of the nation’s cleanest energy to nearly 16 million people in Northern and Central California. For more information, visit www.pge.com/ and www.pge.com/en/about/newsroom/index.page.
