Come mid-February, PG&E has a new nemesis — those shiny, heart-shaped, metallic-looking balloons.
Mylar balloons have caused hundreds of power outages over the years, with the number increasing by more than 100 percent since 2003.
According to PG&E, balloons that are let loose often get entangled in power lines, causing the power to cut, disrupting neighborhoods and can threatening to cause serious injury.
The chart below (also in the photos section) shows the growing number of balloon-related power outages over the last decade.
Year Balloon-related power outages 2003 129 2006 142 2009 213 2012 288So this Valentine’s Day, public works crews and PG&E ask you to tie those balloons to something safe, or keep them inside and deflate them once the holiday is over.
And remember, just because balloon goes flat doesn't mean your love has.
Read more on San Mateo Patch:
- San Mateo Police Warn of 'Door-Knock' Burglars
- A Look at Restaurant Inspections in San Mateo
- To Montessori or Not to Montessori: Is That the Real Question?
- Man Who Killed Poodle Faces Three Years in Jail
Get the latest news from San Mateo:
- Sign up for the San Mateo Patch daily newsletter
- Blog for San Mateo Patch
- "Like" San Mateo Patch on Facebook
- Follow us on Twitter @SanMateoPatch
Read more on Foster City Patch:
- A Look at Restaurant Inspections in Foster City
- Should Foster City Add an Ice Rink?
- Jamba Juice Offers $1 Smoothies All Week
Get the latest news from Foster City:
- Sign up for the Foster City Patch daily newsletter
- Blog for Foster City Patch
- "Like" Foster City Patch on Facebook
- Follow us on Twitter @FosterCityPatch
