06/30/2022 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 06/30/2022 09:36
AKRON, Ohio, June 30, 2022-- With the Fourth of July fast approaching and the summer months upon us, FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) is reminding the public to be cautious of potential electrical hazards associated with popular outdoor activities. Celebrating responsibly will help keep customers safe and the electricity flowing reliably this season.
"As we prepare for parades, barbeques and outdoor fun, we encourage everyone to keep electrical safety top of mind to ensure a safe holiday and summer season," said Chad Stoneking, director of Safety Operations at FirstEnergy. "Enjoying the season responsibly can also help prevent unnecessary disruptions to your electric service during a time when many people rely on their air conditioning to stay cool and comfortable."
Foil balloons and fireworks are two of the most common and festive ways to celebrate Independence Day. However, they can create safety issues and cause major damage to the electric system when they are used near power lines and electrical equipment.
While foil balloons have increased in popularity as holiday and party decorations, they continue to cause many power outages because their metallic coating conducts electricity when they drift into power lines or electrical equipment. February typically marks the onset of a dramatic increase in outages caused by adrift metallic balloons that peaks in June or July, when warm weather takes celebrations and picnics outdoors. Over recent months, foil balloons were to blame for nearly 60 power outages across FirstEnergy's six-state service area.
Customers should securely tie helium-filled foil balloons to a weight that is heavy enough to prevent them from floating away, and then puncture and deflate them once they are no longer in use because they can stay inflated for several weeks. Never release them into the sky.
FirstEnergy also encourages customers to leave the large, colorful fireworks displays to the professionals. Extra caution should be used when handling fireworks, firecrackers and rockets at home, and they should only be lit in open areas where no power lines are in sight. Should a firework accidentally come in contact with a power line or equipment, leave it alone and immediately call 911 to report the problem.
To help ensure holidays and celebrations are enjoyed responsibly, customers should keep the following outdoor safety tips in mind:
Visit www.firstenergycorp.com/publicsafety to learn about FirstEnergy's "Stop. Look. Live." safety campaign to educate the public about staying safe around electricity and near power lines and equipment.
FirstEnergy is dedicated to integrity, safety, reliability and operational excellence. Its 10 electric distribution companies form one of the nation's largest investor-owned electric systems, serving customers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland and New York. The company's transmission subsidiaries operate approximately 24,000 miles of transmission lines that connect the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. Visit FirstEnergy online at www.firstenergycorp.com and follow FirstEnergy and its operating companies on Twitter @FirstEnergyCorp, @OhioEdison, @ToledoEdison, @IlluminatingCo, @W_Penn_Power, @Penn_Power, @Penelec, @Met_Ed, @JCP_L, @PotomacEdison, @MonPowerWV.
Editor's Note: A video discussing the hazards posed by foil balloons and tips for safe disposal is available here on FirstEnergy's YouTube channel. B-Roll can be found here.
News Media Contact: Lauren Siburkis, (330) 203-8850; Investor Relations Contact: Irene Prezelj, (330) 384-3859