Balloon Safety

    On the day of July 14, 2001, 15 year old Julie Boileau died when her hot air balloon hit a telephone wire which killed her.  At the Gatineau Balloon Festival, people are working on safety hazards for hot air balloonists and their balloons.  They are making passengers hold on when they board the balloon and always make sure to listen to the pilot of the balloon.  Most people like riding in hot air balloons but they better make sure of safety first.  Another thing that should be recommended is not going when you know the wind can probably blow you off course which happened July 14, which knocked a balloon into the 25,000 volt electrical wire.  People have also noticed that using propane is a lot safer. Hot air balloons use gas, helium, and other fuels that aren't as safe as propane.
 

• If you are in a hot-air balloon, make sure you stay away from powerlines because if you don't, you could suffer the consequences just like Julie Boiltheeau did.
• Don't fly a hot-air balloon when  weather is bad. If you do, you could be blown off course and could get lost for a period of time. You could also end up blowing into objects without trying.
• Try using propane to get a balloon started. Propane is a lot safer than gas, helium, or other types of fuels.
• When boarding a hot-air balloon, make sure you hold on.  You should also be listening to the pilot so you can hear any instructions and not end up having something happen to the balloon or you.