SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - Covering utility poles with signs for lost animals, yard sales and events creates serious safety hazards for utility workers.

Nails, staples, tacks and screws used to post signs can cause serious injury to line workers who climb the wooden utility power poles every day to do their job. These items are especially hazardous when the poles are climbed during bad weather to restore power during storms and at night.

When the signs fall off or are removed, the fasteners often remain in the pole, increasing potential hazards for line workers to get cut or injured.

Nails and staples can obstruct climbing gear, which can cause workers to slip or fall as they climb. Even the tiniest puncture from a tack in rated electrical rubber gloves can expose line workers to severe shock potential from energized power lines.

When advertising for a lost pet, garage sale or other event, do not post signs on utility poles.

SMUD, a community-owned, not-for-profit electric service provider, is providing low-cost, reliable electricity for more than 75 years. In 2023, SMUD’s power supply was, on average, 78 percent carbon free, and SMUD has a goal to reach zero carbon in its electricity production by 2030. For more information on SMUD’s Zero Carbon Plan and its customer programs, visit smud.org.