PALMDALE – As a result of a recent inspection and identification of potential wiring issues, Palmdale residents, businesses and visitors are being asked to steer clear of lighted streetlight poles when it rains.
To date, the city has inspected and ensured the safety of 1,000 of the 13,000 potentially-affected streetlights. To determine the scope of the streetlights that could potentially have wiring issues, the city has contracted with additional inspection crews and requested mutual aid to expedite the remaining inspections and remedy the issue.
The city believes that approximately 1% of its streetlight poles could have a wiring issue that may result in persons or animals receiving a shock when the lights are on and it is raining. It should be noted that this issue does not impact poles that have traffic signals and/or crosswalk buttons.
In an abundance of caution, the city is asking residents to please stay away from streetlight poles, especially during rain events – this includes pets as well. The wiring issue is a potential concern when the streetlights are on and it is raining.
“Our city crews, contractors and mutual aid agencies are working overtime to complete all of the inspections and render every one of the streetlights safe,” said Chuck Heffernan, Public Works Director for the city of Palmdale. “We are working with all parties involved to address and complete any necessary repairs as quickly as possible.”
In an effort to get the word out about the need to stay away from streetlight poles, the city has embarked upon a communications outreach campaign that includes: NIXLE alerts to registered cell phones, social media, email blasts, web posting, public service announcements for radio and television and information flyers at all city facilities.
For more information, contact the city of Palmdale at 661-267-5338.
[Information via news release from the city of Palmdale.]
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Me steal no wire Si' says
Probably why this is an issue. The illegals steal the wire by dyking the wires as far up as they can reach, and then a shoddy splice job by the city to restore illumination.
So when it rains current leaks to the new ground which is the the exterior of the lamp post, and when your dog lifts his leg to take a leak his lightning rod is in for a rude awakening! YO!
DogsGettingShocked says
How do you know that they are illegals? I’ve seen some white trash red necks stealing wire too. I guess maybe they are illegal too?
R. P. McMurphy says
Males don’t know any better.
Paloma Amore says
Thank you for the info, but what about those who don’t speak English, how are they going to receive this warning.
Laughing says
Hopefully from friends and family that speak both. I think the Palmdale site has it in Spanish
Laughing says
Ok, the site is all English but in the upper right corner of the pages there is a Google translate choice button.
Paloma says
They need to learn English real fast.
Livewire says
And for the sake of safety, do not attempt to steal any wiring.