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Valentine’s Day: Why metallic heart balloons are dangerous

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In some areas of the United States, lovers are encouraged to celebrate Valentine’s Day without metallic balloons.

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It is recommended to give flowers, teddy bears, books, romantic dinners, etc., but not heart-shaped balloons. Why? Because many people can lose power and even get an injury because of it.

Pacific Electric and Gas Companya California-based utility company said last year that Valentine’s Day sees a lot of power outages, property damage, and even injuries from metallic balloons.

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A man walks around with the annoying balloons in Israel.  Photo: EFE

A man walks around with the annoying balloons in Israel. Photo: EFE

The main problem these balloons cause is that when they are launched into the sky – or escape someone’s hands – they can hit electrical wires and cause widespread blackouts. In 2021, for example, drifting metal balloons caused more than 600 cuts in the United States.

In turn, Imperial Irrigation Districtan Imperial, California-based utility company reported at the time that the metallic coating of these balloons “may conduct electricity, causing large-scale power outages, meltdown of power lines, fires, and property damage.” with live electrical equipment.

To avoid problems, the company has developed a number of recommendations: Never release a metal balloon outdoors; Keep metal balloons away from power lines; Use balloon weights or tie them securely; Never use metallic ribbons with metallic balloons; Always deflate foil balloons and dispose of them properly when no longer in use.

They are also fashionable in Afghanistan.  Photo: AP

They are also fashionable in Afghanistan. Photo: AP

“If you see a metal balloon that has contacted a power line, keep yourself and all other objects and people at least 20 feet away and report it by calling IID at 1-800-303-7756. Always assume that power lines are live,” complete the message.

The “train brakes”

This problem is not only in the United States. Measures against Valentine’s Day balloons have also been implemented in Mexico City.

Last year, the Mexican capital’s Collective Transportation System (CTS) made it a goal that gifts left on the streets would not cause travel delays or electrical problems.

And for this the STC has urged users of its formations to hold the metallic balls well.

In a fact sheet, Metro STC highlighted that the electric current in the rail guide bar is 750 volts, and when a metal object contacts it, a short circuit occurs which could cause damage to rail or utility equipment. of the trains.

Source: Clarin

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