As summer fun kicks into high gear, FirstEnergy Corp. is urging families to take precautions to stay safe and avoid power outages during popular outdoor activities like barbecues and Fourth of July celebrations.
“We want everyone to enjoy the season without any surprises. A little awareness goes a long way in keeping your family safe and your party energized,” said Chad Stoneking, FirstEnergy’s director of safety operations.
One major concern is foil balloons, which have caused more than a dozen power outages across FirstEnergy’s six-state service area in recent months. The company advises securely tying helium-filled balloons to heavy weights and deflating them when no longer in use, as their metallic coating can conduct electricity and cause outages if they contact power lines.
FirstEnergy also recommends leaving fireworks displays to professionals and avoiding setting off fireworks near power lines. If a firework contacts a power line, officials say to leave it alone and call 911.
Families are reminded to keep kites, drones and other aerial toys away from electrical equipment. FirstEnergy’s Drone Safety Zone video game offers an interactive way for players to learn drone safety while racing through an electrified course.
Other summer safety tips include keeping cords and devices at least 10 feet from pools, covering outdoor outlets, and watching for overhead lines when towing boats or climbing trees. People should always assume downed wires are live and dangerous and report them to 911.
More safety resources are available at www.firstenergycorp.com/publicsafety.
