FirstEnergy is reminding the public not to hang political signs or decorations on utility poles or electrical equipment in the weeks leading up to Election Day and the holiday season.

The energy company has seen a rise in political signs posted on poles throughout Youngstown, said Lauren Siburkis, spokeswoman for the company.

By keeping poles and wires free of signs and other materials, “customers can help keep their community powered, as well as themselves and their local utility workers safe,” Siburkis said.

Electric current can travel through items hung on wires, Don Hutchison, chief of the Cardinal Joint Fire District, said.

“The power can ground through the decorations and jump to anyone within 10-feet of them,” Hutchison said. “It could be deadly.”

Nails, staples or other objects used to fasten items to poles and wires can be also be dangerous to workers who climb poles to repair and maintain equipment.

Fasteners embedded into poles can lead to a worker snagging or piercing a hole in their gear that protects him / her from high-voltage electrical equipment.

The state prohibits posting of signs or outdoor advertising on utility poles, Siburkis said.