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Balloon Handling 
Outdoor Decor Hints
Safety Information
Facts About Balloons

FOIL balloons will shrink in cold and expand in heat. Do not leave foil balloons in a hot car or expose to heat or they could pop. Do not allow foil balloons to get loose outside because they could cause problems with power lines and airplanes.

Balloon Releases: When doing a balloon release of over 500 balloons, you need to notify the FAA first and get permission for the time you have planned for it. They need to make sure there will be no planes in the area at that time.

Never release foil balloons, arches, or latex balloons on ribbons outside!

LATEX balloons will oxidize when exposed to sunlight and air movement. This is normal and does not affect the quality of the balloon except for the fuzzy appearance. If treated with Hi-Float, latex balloons will last much longer than normal. If a recently Hi-Floated balloon pops - don't worry - the sticky substance is water soluble and will come out of anything with warm water.

Outdoor balloon decor reminders: 
(by Margie Padgitt, CBA)

1.) The paint on most foil balloons is water-soluble and will wash off in rain.

2.) High temperatures (over 80 degrees) will cause the helium in latex balloons to pull out into the surrounding air, so float time is greatly diminished!  Do not go by your regular float time tables for outdoor work.

3.) Do not leave latex balloons outside for extended periods of time - they will degrade quickly.  Plan on using latex outdoors for one day only.  

4.) Use heavy framework - wind will blow arches apart in no time. I suggest NOT using SDS, Rouse Matrix, or any type of large, flat panels that will act as a kite in wind. 

5.) Avoid doing outdoor decor whenever possible, and always have a contingency plan for bad weather. You and your client could be very disappointed if bad weather comes up and ruins the day because you didn't have another option. 

Safety:

Use common sense with latex balloons. Do not allow small children under 3 to handle latex balloons. This type of balloon can pop in the child's mouth and cause choking. Older children should be reminded not to put latex balloons in their mouths. When handled properly, balloons are safe and lots of fun!

Contact the Balloon Council for more information.

More About Balloons
(facts from the Qualatex.com website)

Balloons were invented in 1824!

Members of our association use Qualatex brand latex balloons 
whenever possible because they are 100% natural 
and are biodegradable. 

Balloons come from rubber trees in the rain forest. 
The latex is collected by cutting the bark of the tree with a knife
and catching the latex in a cup as it drips out. 
(This process does not doesn't hurt the trees) 

Rubber trees are planed in the rain forests so their 
latex can be harvested to make balloons. 
Collecting the latex discourages people
from cutting down the rubber trees, which produce
latex for about 40 years. 
 
Helium-filled balloons float because helium is a gas
that is lighter than air (nitrogen and oxygen).