Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/257338
With Valentine's Day festivities approaching, many customers will cele- brate with helium-filled metallic balloons. Pacific Gas and Electric Compa- ny (PG&E) urges cus- tomers to securely tie a weight to all metallic bal- loons containing helium to prevent them from floating away. Metallic balloons that contact overhead power lines can disrupt electric service to an entire neigh- borhood, cause significant property damage and potentially result in seri- ous injuries. Last year, metallic bal- loons that drifted into PG&E power lines caused more than 300 outages, affecting electric service to nearly 165,000 homes and businesses throughout Northern and Central Cal- ifornia. Sometimes these outages interrupt electric service to important facil- ities such as hospitals, schools and traffic lights. "There's always plenty of electricity in the air on Valentine's Day, but we need your help to secure metallic balloons to make sure they stay close to your loved ones and away from power lines," said Jason Regan PG&E's director of Emergency Management and Response. "Mylar bal- loons can cause energized wires to fall to the ground posing a serious safety risk, so with Valentine's Day and other celebra- tions it is important to take precautions if you are including them as part of your festivities." The number of power outages caused by metal- lic balloons in PG&E's service area has more than doubled over the past decade. In order to signif- icantly reduce this num- ber and to help ensure that everyone can safely enjoy their Valentine's Day, PG&E reminds customers to follow these important safety tips for metallic balloons: • "Look Up and Live!" Use caution and avoid cel- ebrating with metallic bal- loons near overhead elec- tric lines. • Make sure helium- filled metallic balloons are securely tied to a weight that is heavy enough to prevent them from floating away. Never remove the weight. • When possible, keep metallic balloons indoors. Never permit metallic bal- loons to be released out- side, for everyone's safe- ty. • Do not bundle metal- lic balloons together. • Never attempt to retrieve any type of bal- loon, kite or toy that becomes caught in a power line. Leave it alone, and immediately call PG&E at 1-800-743-5000 to report the problem. • Never go near a power line that has fallen to the ground or is dan- gling in the air. Always assume downed electric lines are energized and extremely dangerous. Stay far away, keep others away and immediately call 911 to alert the police and fire departments. The Nature Conservan- cy will host a series of free public hikes on two breath- taking preserves in Tehama County — The 37,540-acre Dye Creek Preserve, near Los Molinos, and the Vina Plains Preserve, 12 miles north of Chico. Because the preserves are working cattle ranches, the Conservancy's semi- annual tours provide the public with an opportunity to view some of the region's most spectacular landscapes with knowl- edgeable and entertaining guides, providing insight on many cultural, geologi- cal and biological points of interest. The Vina Plains hike is scheduled for 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 8. During the spring the Vina Plains Preserve comes alive with colorful wild- flowers that carpet the grasslands and ring the ver- nal pools in spectacular bands of color. The pools support many rare, threat- ened or endangered species and attract a large array of waterfowl and shorebirds that feast on small crus- taceans that fill the pools this time of year. The one-mile hike is rel- atively flat, but the surface will be uneven, and may be wet and slippery in places, depending on the weather. The hike will be led by Cal- ifornia Native Plant Society botanists, who are extreme- ly knowledgeable about the flora of the site. Sturdy shoes or hiking boots are a must. The Dye Creek Canyon hikes are set for 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 8 and 22, and April 5. The four- to five-mile hike follows the course of Dye Creek itself, which cuts through a pristine set- ting of volcanic buttes, hills and extensive blue oak woodlands, before flowing into the Sacramento River. Expect spectacular views, spring flowers, and occasional wildlife sight- ings, such as deer, golden eagles and peregrine fal- consbinoculars enhance the experience. You'll also have a rare opportunity to explore a cave thought to be frequented by Ishi, the last survivor of the Yahi Indian Tribe. This hike is somewhat rigorous and hiking boots and plenty of water are a must. A good level of fitness and agility is required to complete the hike. Hikers will have to traverse a creek and navigate steep, rocky terrain. Dogs are not allowed during these events. All events are held rain or shine, with the exception of a serious downpour. The weather may be hot, or humid and wet, so wear layered clothing, and bring waterproof clothing and a hat. Carry plenty of drink- ing water, and bring a lunch. Arrive 15 minutes early. Space is limited to 25 per- sons, so visitors are advised to book early. To book a reservation or receive more information, call Jackson Shedd of The Nature Con- servancy at (760) 707-6942 or send an email to jshedd@tnc.org. 6A Daily News – Saturday, February 8, 2014 MEET MERCY Wednesday, February 19, 2014 8:15 am - 3:15 pm Mercy High School Prepared for Success 233 Riverside Way, Red Bluff, CA 96080 For more information or to RSVP, please call us at 527-8313 Guests will be paired with a student of similar interest. The opportunities and experiences that await you at Mercy... • The latest in textbook technology. All Students are equipped with I-Pads! • 100% of our graduates go on to college • Personalized College Counseling • Exceptional Opportunities for Student Involvement • Leadership, Clubs, Community Service, Athletics and Fine Arts • Meet faculty and students • Lunch provided Join us for the day & get a taste of a day at Mercy High in Frontier Village across from the fairgrounds. 527-1420 645 Antelope Blvd. #1 Reservations recommended Steak & Lobster Tail Complete Dinner including Dessert & a Drink Dinner Special available on Feb 14 th , 15 th & 16 th Sweetheart Dinner Special VOTING IS UNDER WAY! Vote for your favorite Tehama County Businesses before Wednesday, February 26. Online Ballots Only at www.redbluffdailynews.com Five Lucky Voters will be selected at random from all eligible ballots on March 4. Each will receive a $100 Shopping Spree at the Tehama County business of their choice! Spring hikes at Dye Creek and Vina Plains preserves Courtesy photo by Jackson Shedd Dye Creek Preserve. Keep metallic balloons secure for Valentine's Day