- So far this year, the company has experienced 650 power failures due to tangled wires, marking a 105% increase from the same period in 2023.
- Through its "Volantín Seguro" campaign, it warns about the risks of hoisting kites near electrical networks and calls again for not using cured thread [glass-coated string].
Some 20 million kites are made in Chile each year, with most of them being sold during the Fiestas Patrias. However, this practice is still not free of risks, primarily when cured thread is used. To prevent accidents and avoid interruptions in electricity supply, Enel Distribución makes a call every year to raise kites responsibly through its "Volantín Seguro" (Safe Kites) campaign.
From 2010 to date, the company has recorded 18,832 incidents that have affected the power grid and household splices. These incidents are associated with the practice of kite flying in areas not suitable for it and, especially with the use of cured wire, which gets caught in the network or the insulator where the cables are supported, causing network outages.
"We have been committed for many years to transmit good practices so that this tradition, which brings together the whole family, is carried out responsibly and safely in open spaces. We are concerned about the increase in the number of accidents associated with the practice of kite flying. We hope that with our awareness campaign, we will be able to reduce both the number of accidents involving people and the failures in the electric power distribution networks that affect our customers. Our goal is to reach zero accidents", said Víctor Balbontín, operations manager of Enel Distribución.
Despite the efforts, as of August 2024, 650 malfunctions have been recorded in the power grid associated with flyer wire hooked to the grid, an increase of 105% of these incidents compared to the same period of the previous year.
Risks of the practice of kite flying and metallic balloons
Among the risks associated with this practice are the cases of children who have suffered electrocutions and severe burns due to contact with high-voltage cables. This situation can cause serious injuries and even death.
Improper handling of the kite can also lead to other accidents, such as jaywalking accidents and falls caused by running after the kite or trying to rescue it from poles, pylons, and trees.
Metal balloons inflated with helium are very eye-catching and entertain children throughout the year. However, they also represent a risk when handled near distribution networks. These products contain metallic fiber, a conductive material that, when in contact with the cables, generates short circuits, causing interruptions in the electric service and presenting severe risks to people's safety.
Some recommendations
- Do not use metal or aluminum foil in the elaboration of the kite.
- Do not use cured yarn (based on ground glass) or nylon
- Check that the lifting site is safe.
- Do not raise kites near power lines.
- Do not climb poles, pylons, or trees to rescue a kite.
- Do not cross streets when raising kites so as not to cause accidents due to distraction.