Balloons To Blame For Massive Power Outage In Nevada

If I were to ask you what would have caused a power outage in Nevada recently you might be tempted to blame it on some little critter like a squirrel or a bigger critter like a gambler down on his luck, but both assumptions would be off the mark. The culprit in this case was someone’s birthday, graduation or any other event that would have been celebrated by a Mylar balloon.

The balloon got loose and ended up getting tangled in a Nevada Energy substructure causing a power outage for over 10,000 homes. I am assuming that no matter how fun the party was where the balloons were present, it pales in comparison to the lack of celebration that was happening at a home without power.

Balloons are such happy, lighthearted items it is hard to imagine one ruining someone’s day. Although I guess anyone with globophobia (fear of balloons) would not be surprised at all to find there is a destructive side to these brightly colored death traps.

Here are 3 tips from the power company for you to be a responsible, balloon enjoying citizen:

Tether Balloons: Always securely tie balloons to something secure to ensure they don't escape into the sky. Remember how sad it was when you lost your balloon as a kid? Let that feeling help you take tethering your balloons seriously.

Puncture Before Disposal: When disposing of balloons, puncture them to release the helium. This simple step will prevent the balloons from floating away. Remember how sad it was when your balloon popped as a kid? Well, forget that feeling and pop them anyway.

Report, Don't Retrieve: If a Mylar balloon becomes entangled in a power line, do not attempt to retrieve it yourself. Hopefully this tip was not surprising to you. If it was then it might be time to learn to let things go.

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Let’s keep these tips in mind and enjoy balloons, especially the Mylar type, responsibly.