Please Keep Utility Poles Clear – It’s for Everyone’s Safety
At BELD, safety is our top priority. We want to remind residents that attaching signs, posters, or any objects to utility poles is illegal and dangerous. While it might seem like a harmless way to advertise a yard sale, post a flyer, or even mount a basketball hoop, these actions pose serious risks to both the public and our line workers. Please help keep our community safe by finding alternative ways to share information.
Why It’s Important to Keep Utility Poles Clear:
- Risk to Line Workers: Nails, staples, and other objects used to post signs can puncture or damage the protective gloves and clothing of utility workers. This increases their risk of serious injury, including electrocution.
- Safety Hazards: Utility workers climb poles carrying power lines with up to 15,000 volts. Items attached to poles—whether signs, cameras, or satellite dishes—create obstacles that can cause workers to trip, snag, or fall.
- Pole Damage: Nails, staples, and foreign materials deteriorate the wood, weakening the structural integrity of poles.
- Public Danger: Downed poles and power lines are extremely dangerous. Objects attached to poles make repairs more complicated and hazardous, slowing down restoration efforts in emergencies.
- Obstructs Emergency Response: Signs or decorations can cover important pole markers, delaying crews when they need to identify problem areas during outages.
- Legal Implications: Attaching anything to utility poles is illegal. These regulations are in place to protect everyone’s safety.
Safer Alternatives:
- Use yard stakes, online community boards, or designated bulletin areas for posting notices.
- Avoid working near utility poles and overhead lines when doing outdoor activities.
BELD appreciates your cooperation in keeping our poles clear and ensuring the safety of our line crews and community members. Let’s work together to keep everyone safe.
