Safe Balloon Practices. 1. Don't Let Go - use a weight! 2. Supervise children under 8. 3. Inflate Safely! 4. Be Latex Allergy Aware 5. Properly dispose of used balloons

Follow Safe Balloon Practices

  • Don't release helium balloons outdoors - tie each helium balloon individually to a weight.
    1. Weight all helium-filled foil balloons.
    2. Tie all ribbons to the weight so if they are released they will float away individually.
      DO NOT tie ribbons together before attaching to weight. Tie them to the weight with one knot.
    3. Do not use metallic ribbon with helium-filled balloons.
  • Uninflated or burst balloons can present a choking hazard - please supervise small children at all times.
  • To remove the risk of injury, always use a balloon pump and NEVER inhale helium.
  • Balloons made of natural rubber latex may cause a reaction in those with latex allergies. Look out for symptoms and seek help if required.
  • Remember, when done with a balloon, simply snip the end of the balloon with scissors to deflate before placing in a suitable disposal or balloon recycling bin.

California Balloon Law

CALIFORNIA LAW REQUIRES THAT STEPS BE TAKEN TO PROTECT ELECTRICAL POWER LINES FROM DAMAGE BY FOIL BALLOONS AND OTHER METALLIC BALLOON-RELATED ACCESSORIES. THE FOLLOWING STATES THE PENAL CODE THAT DETAILS THE EXACT WORDING OF THE LAW.
CALIFORNIA FOIL BALLOON LAW
PENAL CODE SECTION 653.1
(a) No person shall sell or distribute any balloon that is constructed of electrically conductive material, and filled with a gas lighter than air without;
  1. Affixing an object of sufficient weight to the balloon or its appurtenance to counter the lift capability of the balloon.
  2. Affixing a statement on the balloon, or ensuring that a statement is so affixed, that warns the consumer about the risk if the balloon comes in contact with electrical power lines.
  3. A printed identification of the manufacturer of the balloon.
(b) No person shall sell or distribute any balloon filled with a gas lighter than air that is attached to an electrically conductive string, tether, streamer, or other electrically conductive appurtenance.
(c) No person shall sell or distribute any balloon that is constructed of electrically conductive material and filled with a gas lighter than air and that is attached to another balloon constructed of electrically conductive material and filled with a gas lighter than air.
(d) No person or group shall release, outdoors, balloons made of electrically conductive material and filled with a gas lighter than air, as part of a public or civic event, promotional activity, or product advertisement.
(e) Any person who violates subdivision (a), (b), (c) , or (d) shall be guilty of an infraction punishable by a fine not exceeding one hundred dollars ($100.00). Any person who violates subdivision (a), (b), (c), or (d) who has been previously convicted twice of violating subdivision (a), (b), (c), or (d) shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
(f) This section shall not apply to manned hot air balloons, or to balloons used in governmental or scientific research projects.
CRC Coalition for responsible celebration

We are proud to support the Coalition for Responsible Celebration. The CRC advances the sustainability of the Celebration Industry and promotes the value of joy-inspiring party products.

Download the CRC Safe Balloon Practices Fact Sheet.
Learn more about the mission of the CRC.