Fred Anderson, CEO/President

To the editor:Yard sales and political campaigns are as much a part of the New Hampshire cultural landscape as the Old Man of the Mountain and Town Meeting. Yet, the seemingly harmless signs used to advertise yard sales, political aspirations and other news can have unintended dangerous consequences when hung on utility poles. Lineworkers at the New Hampshire Electric Co-op use sharp steel "gaffs" attached to their boots to climb utility poles. Hitting a nail, staple, tack or other object left in a pole from a sign with a gaff while climbing can cause the lineworker to fall and be injured. Also, nails, staples and tacks left in the pole could tear or puncture the lineworker's rubber gloves. These gloves are the lineworker's primary protection against electric shock. Even a hole the size of pinprick can cause the glove to fail when it comes into contact with high voltage and result in the lineworker being severely injured or killed. There is also an economic incentive for not hanging signs on utility poles. The fasteners allow extra moisture to enter the pole, causing premature pole rot and adding to the cost of maintaining the electrical system. We understand that the safety hazard created by hanging signs on utility poles is unintentional. But we must remind you that it is against the law (NH RSA 236:75) to attach signs of any kind to utility poles. With yard sale season upon us and the fall political season not far behind, we ask you to refrain from hanging signs on electric utility poles. Report signs attached to electric utility poles to the Co-op by calling 1-800-698-2007. It could save a life.