When foil-coated balloons contact a power line or other electric equipment, their metallic properties can cause a surge of electricity that can cause the equipment to short-circuit.  These types of outages can be prevented.

• Keep balloons tethered at all times and attached to weights.
• Properly dispose of Mylar balloons by puncturing the balloon to release helium that otherwise could cause the balloon to float away.
• NEVER touch a power line. Do not attempt to retrieve a balloon or toy that is entangled in an overhead power line. For assistance, call PECO at 1-800-841-4141.
• Always assume power lines are energized and keep yourself, your belongings and anything you are carrying at least 10 feet away from power lines.

Learn more safety tips at peco.com/safety.

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Based in Philadelphia, PECO is an electric and natural gas utility subsidiary of Exelon Corporation (NYSE: EXC). The company’s 2,400 dedicated employees provide advanced, innovative energy solutions to 1.6 million electric and more than 506,000 natural gas customers in southeastern Pennsylvania. In 2014 PECO delivered 89.9 billion cubic feet of natural gas and 37.5 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity and had an estimated economic impact of $4.5 billion in Pennsylvania, supporting more than 9,600 local jobs and producing $760 million in labor income.  Founded in 1881, PECO is one of the Greater Philadelphia Region's most active corporate citizens, providing leadership, volunteer and financial support to numerous arts and culture, education, environmental, economic development and community programs and organizations. For more information visit PECO.com, and connect with the company on Facebook and Twitter.

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