JACKSON, Mich., Jan. 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Consumers Energy has
a friendly safety reminder for those looking to promote a new business or
service - don't attach signs to utility poles. Nailing, stapling, tacking
or pinning posters or fliers of any type on utility poles is not allowed
and can be dangerous.
"We've noticed an increase in sign attachments on utility poles,
particularly in promoting new businesses. We ask people to refrain from
doing this, both for their own safety, as well as the safety of our
electric line workers," said James Feahr, Consumers Energy's land
management field representative.
Feahr noted a recent incident in Grand Rapids in which an individual
suffered burns to his hand and face when he struck a power line carrying
7,200 volts of electricity while nailing a sign to a utility pole. That
incident knocked out electric service to more than 6,500 homes and
businesses for approximately three hours. "People often forget that utility
poles contain electrical wires. We urge people to find a safe way to
advertise their business or service, and not by attaching signs to utility
poles," said Feahr.
In addition, during an electric outage, a line worker may have to climb
a utility pole in order to restore electric service. Nails and other pieces
of hard metal interfere with the ability of climbing spikes to grip the
poles. If a line worker loses footing, the resulting fall could cause
serious injury or even be fatal.
Consumers Energy, the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy, provides
natural gas and electricity to nearly 6.5 million of Michigan's 10 million
residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.
For more information about Consumers Energy, visit our Website at
http://www.consumersenergy.com
SOURCE Consumers Energy
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http://www.consumersenergy.com
http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/203850.html /
CONTACT:
Jeff Holyfield, +1-517-788-2394, or Dan
Bishop, +1-517-788-2395, or Timothy J. Pietryga, +1-616-530-4364,
all for Consumers Energy
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