While fireworks are one of the leading causes of injuries during the Fourth of July, officials are warning of another hazard at parties.
First Energy says that foil balloons are causing a significant increase in power outages across their service area. In fact, nearly 50 outages over the past three months have been caused by foil balloons.
The outages happen because the metallic coating conducts electricity when they drift into power lines or electrical equipment.
First Energy says to make sure the balloons are weighted down when in use, and to deflate and puncture them once you’re done.
They encourage everyone not to release the foil balloons into the sky.
