Keep Utility Poles Clear

Posting Signs and Other Objects on Utility Poles is Dangerous

We’ve all seen the signs, or maybe even hung a few up ourselves, of missing pets, yard sales and other miscellaneous announcements on utility poles. While it may seem innocent enough, with no malice intended, these little pieces of paper can cause considerable harm to line workers and are illegal in many areas.

Line workers climb those same utility poles to work around power lines that carry 7,200 or more volts of electricity. Foreign objects such as staples or nails embedded in the pole can lead to the utility worker snagging or getting a hole in their gloves. Those gloves are meant to insulate workers from high voltage and protect them from being electrocuted.

Hunting stands, basketball hoops, flags and birdhouses are other items that have been found attached to our utility poles over the years. It is extremely dangerous for line workers, yourself, and anyone who uses these items. Keep as much distance between yourself and overhead power lines when doing any outdoor activity. Satellite dishes have also been found attached to utility poles. This is not only a hazard for line crews, but also the dish installer and under no circumstance should they ever be attached to utility poles.

Furthermore, if line workers encounter unauthorized attachments (signs or other objects), they will remove them from the pole. While every effort is made to remove them with care, Halifax EMC is not responsible for any damage to those items.

Keep yourself and your neighbors safe by not posting or hanging anything on utility poles. Find other alternatives to share information in your community, such as yard stakes or online community groups.

We appreciate your help in keeping utility poles clear and our line workers safe.