(WBBM NEWSRADIO) – A local utility is issuing a warning about balloons, but it has nothing to do with the flying objects that have been shot down by the U.S. military in recent days.
ComEd is reminding people to hold on to Mylar balloons. Engineers say the balloons are larger and contain more helium, which is why they can fly in the air for several days if they are accidentally released.
The balloons can then hit power lines and cause outages.
ComEd says balloon strikes were responsible for more than 250 outages in the utility's service area in 2022.
Elder Calderon, the utility’s senior program manager, said the balloons are small objects that can cause big problems.
"It's not something you think about, and it's those little things you don't think about that can have a large impact on our power and grid," Calderon said.
He adds that the balloons need proper disposal.
"You will want to deflate these balloons after you are done. Make a hole in them, throw them away. Whatever you can do. Just don't let them loose outside," Calderon said.
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