Watch Out For Stray Voltage On 19th Street

Be careful what you touch if you’re walking around near 19th Street between 5th and 6th Avenues today. Neighbor Liza spotted this Con Edison setup on the block, which indicates that they’re fielding a report of stray voltage.

If you notice an area with Con Ed cones and a car with a cone on top and you must walk by, it’s best to give that space a good clearance. Con Ed is known to hire livery cab drivers to sit near an electrified object or structure to make sure people keep away from them, and this year, they began putting up these signs, as well.

Earlier this year, several dogs were reportedly shocked on 5th Avenue between 15th and 16th Streets, which is a bit more common as snow melts and mixes with road salt — seeing these signs in the summer is a bit unusual.

NYCdog, a dog owners advocacy group, has in the past urged people and dogs to avoid “manhole covers, sewer caps, metal gratings, Con Edison repair locations as well as all overhead scaffolding at constructions sites,” and to call 911 if you or your dog have been shocked. They recommend you do not touch your pet or the ground if you suspect your dog’s been shocked, but use your leash or other non-conductive materials to maneuver back away from area.

If you suspect there is stray voltage somewhere, you should report it at 1-800-75-CONED.

Photo by jealousidler