Walking through our city should never put people or animals at risk of electrocution. Yet in Pittsburgh, there is currently no clear, publicly available assurance that streetlights and light posts are routinely tested for electrical safety - especially in wet or rainy conditions.

Two years ago in Pittsburgh, a dog was electrocuted by a streetlight during wet conditions and did not survive. That devastating incident should have been a wake-up call. Unfortunately, it was not.

More recently, while walking my own dog in the rain in the Strip District, we were both electrically shocked by a streetlight. My dog began convulsing and screaming as if being tased. I had no warning, no signage, and no way of knowing the light post was dangerous until it was already causing harm. What happened to us was terrifying - and it made something painfully clear: this is a known, preventable danger that continues to put lives at risk.

Pittsburgh experiences frequent rain, snow, and wet pavement. Electrical infrastructure that is only safe when dry is not safe infrastructure.

The Issue
Streetlights and light posts can become electrified due to faulty wiring, grounding failures, corrosion, or water intrusion. Wet conditions significantly increase the risk of electrical shock. Without routine, standardized testing, especially during or after wet weather, these hazards may go undetected until someone is injured or killed.

Despite prior incidents, there is still no transparent, citywide standard for proactive wet-condition electrical safety testing.

 
What We Are Asking For
We call on the City of Pittsburgh, the Department of Public Works, City Council, and the Mayor’s Office to implement the following:

• Routine electrical safety testing of all streetlights and light posts, including during or after wet-weather conditions
• Clear safety standards and inspection protocols for identifying electrical hazards
• Immediate repairs and hazard mitigation when unsafe conditions are found
• Public transparency and accountability, including documentation of testing results and corrective actions
• A rapid-response process for reports of electrified or unsafe infrastructure

These are reasonable, preventative measures that prioritize public safety and reduce the risk of serious injury or loss of life.

 
Why This Matters
No one should have to be harmed, or lose a loved one or a pet, before a known and preventable risk is addressed. Proactive testing protects pedestrians, runners, children, families, dogs, other animals, city workers, and first responders.

This is not about assigning blame. It is about learning from past tragedies and ensuring they are not repeated.

 
Call to Action
We urge the City of Pittsburgh to take immediate action, and routine testing, to ensure that all streetlights and light posts are safe to walk past in wet conditions. Please sign this petition to support safer streets, stronger oversight, and accountability for the infrastructure we all rely on every day.

No more preventable injuries. No more preventable loss.