Moms, dads and grads enjoy some well-deserved spotlight from May through June, usually toting a shiny balloon, but beware, these seemingly harmless celebratory orbs can wreak havoc on the electrical grid.

They have been known to plunge entire neighborhoods into darkness, creating completely avoidable safety hazards. Last June, a single metallic balloon caused a power outage and downed lines that affected 7,700 customers in Oxnard.

A nagging problem all year, power outages caused by metallic balloons start climbing with Valentine’s Day in February and can sometimes double by their usual peak in June.

Though June is typically the worst, it is a year-long problem that led to 582 outages impacting 800,000 Southern California Edison customers last year. In June alone, there were 88 and in May, 64 balloon-related outages. So far, SCE has experienced 196 outages this year.

“The safest metallic balloons are tied to a weight, something sturdy or simply kept indoors,” said Ted Gribble, SCE senior manager of Enterprise Risk Management and Public Safety. “They should never be released into the air where they can quickly become a major safety hazard.”

Don't let metallic balloons be the cause of power outages in your community. Make a conscious effort to keep power lines clear by saying no to metallic balloons. By doing so, you’ll be helping to ensure uninterrupted power supply and safety for all.

Here are a few things that you can do to make a difference:

• Opt for Alternatives:  Choose non-metallic balloons. They’re just as festive and won’t cause power outages. Plus, they’re better for the environment!
• Proper Disposal: Handle them with care. When the party’s over, deflate them safely and throw them away properly. Don’t release them into the air. The greatest risk is when balloons float into electrical equipment and can bring down power lines.
• Report Balloon Incidents: Never approach downed lines, stay at least 100 feet away and call 911. And, if you see balloons in power lines, call 911 or SCE at 1-800-611-1911.