SAN DIEGO, June 13, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- As the summer barbecue, beach and park-going season gets into full-swing, San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) today urged customers to be aware of the dangers that can arise when Mylar balloons touch power lines. 

"Using metallic Mylar coated balloons can result in some unforeseen negative consequences including local power outages," said David L. Geier, vice president of electrical operations for SDG&E.

Unfortunately the metallic coating on Mylar balloons is an excellent conductor of electricity. If a Mylar balloon touches a power line, it could short out a circuit in your neighborhood's electrical system and even cause an electrical fire.

SDG&E reminds all San Diegans:

• Keep Mylar balloons indoors.
• If you see a Mylar balloon at an outdoor gathering, make sure that it is securely tied down or attached to a weight.
• When disposing of a Mylar balloon, make sure to puncture it in several places.  Partially-inflated Mylar balloons can easily become airborne.
• If a Mylar balloon, kite or any object becomes entangled in an overhead power line, call 9-1-1 or SDG&E at 1-800-411-7343.  Do not try to remove it yourself.

For more information on safety, please visit SDG&E's website at www.sdge.com/safety or call 1-800-411-SDGE (7343).

SDG&E is a regulated public utility that provides safe and reliable energy service to 3.4 million consumers through 1.4 million electric meters and more than 850,000 natural gas meters in San Diego and southern Orange counties.  The utility's area spans 4,100 square miles.  SDG&E is committed to creating ways to help customers save energy and money every day.  SDG&E is a subsidiary of Sempra Energy (NYSE: SRE), a Fortune 500 energy services holding company based in San Diego. 

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SOURCE San Diego Gas & Electric