July 4th celebration safety tips from PG&E 

SAN FRANCISCO – Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) encourages customers to celebrate July 4 American Independence Day this weekend safely and responsibly. Wildfires and electric hazards can occur if proper precautions aren’t followed while enjoying fireworks and helium-filled metallic balloons.

California is in the midst of a historic drought, and dry vegetation exists throughout the state. PG&E urges its customers to have a plan to prevent wildfires and other hazards by following these safety tips.

• Prevent wildfires by following these tips when celebrating with fireworks:

• Enjoy fireworks away from overhead power lines. Accidental damage to electric lines can cause power outages, fires and serious injuries

• Never use fireworks near dry grass or flammable materials

• Keep a bucket of water or a water hose nearby

• Observe local laws. Contact your local police or fire department to make sure fireworks are allowed in your are

• An adult should always be present when fireworks are in use

• “Look Up and Live!” with these tips for overhead power lines:

• When making preparations for an Independence Day party at the house, look up before lifting ladders and other long-handled tools to avoid accidental contact with electric lines

• Celebrate with helium-filled metallic balloons by making sure they are tied to a weight heavy enough to prevent them from floating into power lines. Do not bundle metallic balloons together. In 2014, more than 300 power outages were caused by metallic balloons in PG&E’s service area, impacting approximately 150,000 customers for more than 11.5 million minutes

• If a balloon is caught in a power line, contact PG&E immediately at 1-800-743-5000 to report the problem. Never attempt to retrieve anything that is on or near a power line

• Never go near a damaged power line that has fallen to the ground or is dangling in the air. Always assumed downed electric lines are energized and extremely dangerous. Stay away, keep others away and immediately call 911 and PG&E

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