Contact: NOVEC Public Relations, 1-888-335-0500, [email protected]
MANASSAS, Va. -- Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative (NOVEC) asks people and businesses to keep flying objects away from power lines. Kites, balloons, drones, and model airplanes can cause power outages if they touch power lines, and anyone holding onto a metallic balloon or kite with metal parts could suffer an electric shock or electrocution.
"Be aware of your surroundings and always keep flying objects far from power lines," stresses Skip Hollcroft, NOVEC's construction manager.
NOVEC asks adults and children to heed safety guidelines before sending anything aloft.
- Fly objects in an open field, far away from electric power and transmission lines, roads and highways.
- Only fly in good weather during the day -- never in wet or stormy weather, or at night.
- Use dry string for kites and balloons -- never wire.
- Do not fly anything made of metallic materials, including metallic ribbons or streamers. Even Mylar helium balloons conduct electricity and can cause electric shock or electrocution.
- Always attach a weight to Mylar and helium balloons to prevent them from flying away. Releasing them can cause power outages, fires, and a hazard to wildlife.
- Keep a drone in your sight at all times. Hitting a power line can cause an outage for hundreds of people or cause a line to fall, which is extremely dangerous. Do NOT go near a power line that is down. Call 911 and NOVEC at 703-335-0500 or 1-888-335-0500 immediately.
- The Commonwealth of Virginia, many other states, and a number of countries have banned paper sky lanterns. They have caused fires and vehicle accidents, and have harmed people and animals.
- NEVER TRY TO REMOVE AN OBJECT CAUGHT ON A POWER LINE OR POLE. LEAVE IT THERE. Call NOVEC at 703-335-0500 or 1-888-335-0500 for assistance and properly trained personnel with safety equipment may be able to remove it.
For more electrical safety information, log onto novec.com/safety. Learn more about balloon safety at balloonsblow.org and at the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service website, fws.gov.
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