A growing number of Party City locations are running out of their in-store helium tanks. The gas is in high demand and used in everything from aerospace and nuclear power to medical MRIs and balloons.
At the Party City in Royal Oak, there is a sign on the front door that reads, "Due to a nationwide helium shortage, we are temporarily unable to inflate or take balloon orders at this location."
All their party balloons are still available for purchase. You just have to inflate them yourself, and since you probably don't have a personal stash of helium, Party City is selling take home tanks capable of blowing up 50 nine inch balloons.
Upon hearing the news, the public was deflated.
"It's very sad. The kids are going to be sad to hear this," one person said.
One woman we talked to didn't seem particularly concerned. Meanwhile, we asked another individual whether we ruined his day telling him there is not enough helium for all the balloons.
"No, not at all. I don't use balloons anyway," he answered.
"Why do you need balloons with helium in them?" another man remarked. "It doesn't make really a lot of sense."
So, you can just blow them up yourself and then tape them up?
"There you go. Same thing. Or, you know, static electricity, you kind of just stick it to the wall."
Party City didn't want to comment, but a shortage has happened before, so the company is hoping this is just a passing gas crisis.
Monday, May 13 2013 5:03 PM EDT2013-05-13 21:03:13 GMT
WCSX will be at Roy O'Brien Ford in St. Clair Shores and Malarkey's in Westland collecting donations for the family of fallen firefighter Brian Woehlke until 7:00 p.m. Monday.
WCSX will be at Roy O'Brien Ford in St. Clair Shores and Malarkey's in Westland collecting donations for the family of fallen firefighter Brian Woehlke until 7:00 p.m. Monday.
Tuesday, May 7 2013 5:39 PM EDT2013-05-07 21:39:59 GMT
In a nondescript building in a Warren commercial park, an amazing animal clinic and hospital called All About Animals is doing good work for pets and their owners.
In a nondescript building in a Warren commercial park, an amazing animal clinic and hospital called All About Animals is doing good work for pets and their owners.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 8:17 PM EDT2013-05-22 00:17:22 GMT
We are learning more about the past of the man currently in police custody in connection with the murder of 35-year-old Sabrina Gianino.
We are learning more about the past of the man currently in police custody in connection with the murder of 35-year-old Sabrina Gianino. 42-year-old Myron Williams is on probation in Michigan for a drug paraphernalia charge. He also has quite a past in Louisiana.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 3:43 PM EDT2013-05-21 19:43:35 GMT
Brian Woehlke and his family
All funds collected will be donated to the Westland Fire Fighters Charity's fund for the family of fallen firefighter Brian Woehlke, who passed away while battling a Westland fire on May 8.
All funds collected will be donated to the Westland Fire Fighters Charity's fund for the family of fallen firefighter Brian Woehlke, who passed away while battling a Westland fire on May 8.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 8:22 PM EDT2013-05-22 00:22:30 GMT
An expansive plan to merge two southeastern Michigan health systems into a single, $6.4 billion nonprofit organization with 10 hospitals has fizzled out.
An expansive plan to merge two southeastern Michigan health systems into a single, $6.4 billion nonprofit organization with 10 hospitals has fizzled out.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 7:46 PM EDT2013-05-21 23:46:25 GMT
Judge Wade McCree took the witness stand on Tuesday. The embattled judge had a lot to say about his affair with a woman who stood in his courtroom. His wife had something to say about it, too.
Judge Wade McCree took the witness stand on Tuesday. The embattled judge had a lot to say about his affair with a woman who stood in his courtroom. His wife had something to say about it, too.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 6:48 PM EDT2013-05-21 22:48:42 GMT
Trained Salvation Army counselors are being mobilized to head down to the tornado disaster area in Oklahoma to not only help with the victims, but the first responders, as well.
Trained Salvation Army counselors are being mobilized to head down to the tornado disaster area in Oklahoma to not only help with the victims, but the first responders, as well.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 6:25 PM EDT2013-05-21 22:25:11 GMT
The American Red Cross is working in a variety of ways and from several different areas of the country to help the victims of the tornadoes which struck in the nation's heartland.
The American Red Cross is working in a variety of ways and from several different areas of the country to help the victims of the tornadoes which struck in the nation's heartland.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 6:22 PM EDT2013-05-21 22:22:57 GMT
Find out how you can help the victims of Monday's deadly tornado that ripped through the Oklahoma City suburbs, killing dozens and flattening neighborhoods, schools and businesses.
Find out how you can help the victims of Monday's deadly tornado that ripped through the Oklahoma City suburbs, killing dozens and flattening neighborhoods, schools and businesses.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 6:21 PM EDT2013-05-21 22:21:52 GMT
As people struggle to pick up the pieces in the areas of Oklahoma ravaged by tornadoes, we've learned some relief will be coming from right here in Michigan.
As people struggle to pick up the pieces in the areas of Oklahoma ravaged by tornadoes, we've learned some relief will be coming from right here in Michigan.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 4:38 PM EDT2013-05-21 20:38:20 GMT
Crews across the river in Windsor are battling a raging fire that's burning at a warehouse in the 700 block of Sprucewood Avenue.
Crews across the river in Windsor are battling a raging fire that's burning at a warehouse in the 700 block of Sprucewood Avenue. Thick black smoke and flames can be seen for miles. The Windsor Star is
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