News & Press
What do yard sale signs, security cameras, satellite dishes, deer stands and birdhouses have in common? They are often found illegally attached to utility poles. While attaching objects to poles may seem innocent, they can put our linemen at risk.
Tri-County EMC crews climb utility poles in all hours of the day and night. Many times, they work in dark, rainy weather where visibility is limited. Sharp objects like nails, tacks, staples or barbed wire can puncture rubber gloves and other safety equipment worn by our linemen, making them vulnerable to electrocution.
“Not only do these attachments put our linemen at risk, but it puts the person placing the attachment at risk as well — especially the higher you go up the pole,” says Keith Brooks, vice president of operations. “We recommend that our members stay at least 20 feet away from power lines.”
Help us keep our linemen and our members safe by not attaching objects to power poles. Fixtures not belonging to the cooperative or another utility will be removed by the cooperative.