Categories: Lifestyle

Mylar Balloons Cause Power Outage and Line Damage This Morning

Balloons are the cause of a power outage affecting 1,400 City Water, Light and Power customers this morning. Electric crews were called to 14th and Clay Streets around 9 a.m. this morning for an outage where power lines were found burned and fallen to the ground. Customers affected in this outage are in an area from E. Cook St to E. Laurel St. between 12th St. and Groth St./Livingston St. approximately. Crews are working to isolate the outage and re-route power and make all finished repairs as quickly and safely as possible.

Mylar balloons, which have a metallic coating, were found to be the cause. Mylar balloons have a metallic coating that conducts electricity. If the balloons are released and come in contact with overhead electric lines, they can cause serious damage—as what has occurred today. To reduce these outages and help keep the lights on, keep the following tips in mind:

  • Keep balloons tethered at all times and attached to a weight.
  • When no longer in use, puncture and deflate the balloons before creatively reusing or disposing of them.
  • If a balloon or another toy becomes entangled in an overhead power line, do not attempt to retrieve it. Call CWLP Electric Dispatch at 217-789-2121.

Always assume power lines are live, and keep yourself and all other items at least 10 feet away from power lines.

Josephine Poot

Contributor

Recent Posts

Zinckernagel Makes Fifth MLS Team of the Matchday

Chicago Fire’s Zinckernagel Secures Fifth MLS Team of the Matchday Selection Chicago Fire FC winger Philip Zinckernagel has been recognized…

11 hours ago

Chicago Hires Law Firm to Recover City Debts

Chicago Retains Tristan & Cervantes to Pursue Municipal Debts The City of Chicago has retained Tristan & Cervantes, LLC, a Minority…

1 day ago

Chicago Fire Loans Omari Glasgow to Loudoun United

Omari Glasgow Heads to Loudoun United on Loan Chicago Fire FC has confirmed that versatile defender and winger Omari Glasgow will join Loudoun…

5 days ago

Chicago Faces Potential Tax Hike Amid $1B Budget Gap.

Mayor Johnson Weighs Progressive Taxes to Tackle Budget Deficit A recent press conference led by Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has…

5 days ago

Chicago Expands Sustainable Community Schools Initiative

Chicago Grows Sustainable School Model to 36 Sites Citywide Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, in partnership with Chicago Public Schools (CPS)…

6 days ago

Jack Elliott Named to MLS Team of the Matchday Again

Elliott Earns Second Straight MLS Team of the Matchday Honor For the second consecutive week, Chicago Fire FC captain Jack…

1 week ago