Don’t let metallic balloons, fireworks darken your July 4th holiday
MidAmerican Energy asks customers to be safe near power lines
DES MOINES, Iowa – (JULY 1, 2021) – If you celebrate your July Fourth holiday with fireworks or decorate with metallic balloons, MidAmerican Energy asks you to play it safe by keeping both away from overhead power lines.
“We want people to have fun this July Fourth, but away from our overhead lines if the fun includes metallic balloons or fireworks,” John Guy, MidAmerican vice president of electric delivery, said. “Safety is our top priority, even on holidays.”
Metallic balloons dangerous if they contact overhead lines, substations
MidAmerican asks customers with metallic balloons, including popular Mylar balloons, to ensure they’re securely tethered or attached to a weight, and to puncture and deflate them before disposal.
MidAmerican asks customers with metallic balloons, including popular Mylar balloons, to ensure they’re securely tethered or attached to a weight, and to puncture and deflate them before disposal.
Foil balloons that drift into overhead lines or substations can damage high-voltage circuits and equipment, resulting in an outage that could affect a large number of customers. These types of balloons can conduct electricity when they come into contact with energized equipment, which could pose a significant safety threat, including fires or injuries.
If a metallic balloon becomes entangled with a power line, do not attempt to retrieve it. Call MidAmerican’s 24-hour electrical emergency hotline at 800-799-4443 for immediate assistance.
“You should never approach utility lines, poles or transformers – even with a stick or pole – and always assume they’re energized,” Guy added.
Last year, metallic balloons caused several dozen outages within MidAmerican’s service territory. One incident this year in February knocked out power to 1,400 customers in suburban Des Moines.
Fireworks too close to electrical equipment can pose fire threat
MidAmerican asks customers who choose to light fireworks to do so away from utility poles and overhead lines. Fireworks should only be lit in open areas away from overhead lines. Fireworks that ignite too close to an overhead line or utility pole can pose a fire threat.
MidAmerican asks customers who choose to light fireworks to do so away from utility poles and overhead lines. Fireworks should only be lit in open areas away from overhead lines. Fireworks that ignite too close to an overhead line or utility pole can pose a fire threat.
About MidAmerican Energy Company
MidAmerican Energy Company, headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, serves 795,000 electric customers in Iowa, Illinois and South Dakota, and 774,000 natural gas customers in Iowa, Illinois, Nebraska and South Dakota. Information about MidAmerican Energy is available at MidAmericanEnergy.com and company social media channels.
MidAmerican Energy Company, headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, serves 795,000 electric customers in Iowa, Illinois and South Dakota, and 774,000 natural gas customers in Iowa, Illinois, Nebraska and South Dakota. Information about MidAmerican Energy is available at MidAmericanEnergy.com and company social media channels.