NEW ORLEANS — New Orleans residents can no longer use Mylar balloons during balloon releases. On Thursday, the City Council voted to ban them from being released because of their history of knocking out power to parts of the city.
Back in August, a city-wide boil water advisory was issued after a Mylar balloon hit a power line. Entergy New Orleans said the Mylar balloon caused a power outage, which prompted the New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board to issue the advisory.
In the same week, residents in Orleans Parish experienced a power outage again, after a "cluster of Mylar balloons" came in contact with power lines.
The city council said you can still carry the balloons, you just can't release them into the air. "The council will work with the City to post signage throughout public outdoor spaces and will continue to protect the city's infrastructure and environment," a release said.
Read the City Council's full statement below:
"The Council passed Ordinance 34,864 and an amendment adding a section to City Code to ban the public release of Mylar and all electrically conductive balloons. Though commonly used for celebration and remembrance, wayward foil balloons have continued to cause preventable widespread power outages in New Orleans, among other utility and public safety issues.
The legislation prohibits the outdoor release of balloons made of, or coated in, foil, metal or any electrically conductive material and filled with helium or any gas lighter than air. The Council will work with the City to post signage throughout public outdoor spaces and will continue to protect the city’s infrastructure and environment."
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