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When you think about the lines you see on a street, you might picture the two yellow ones that go up the middle of a road, or the white ones that occasionally border the sides of a street, but those aren't the only lines on them. You've probably also seen other colored lines that seem to have been spray-painted on the road or on the sidewalk. Well if those lines are red, much like the signs and traffic lights along a road that are that color, you should be paying close attention to those lines.
The lines are red to signify that there are important electric power conduits or cables located nearby. The lines are often spray-painted ahead of the onset of a construction project to ensure that anyone digging or working in the area is mindful of the conduits to prevent any kind of damage or injury. For that reason, any area with the red lines should be approached with caution since electrical work is likely underway or about to happen.
The red color is one of a handful set up as part of the American National Standard for Safety Colors, which was originally mandated by the American Public Works Association. Red isn't the only color they assigned meaning too either. Orange is for telecommunication, alarm or signal cables, yellow signifies natural gas, oil, steam, petroleum or other flammable materials, green marks off sewers and drains, blue is for potable water, purple is used for reclaimed water or irrigation lines, pink is for surveys or unknown facilities, and white is used for proposed excavation limits or routes. Occasionally, small flags are used alongside the painted lines as well.
Keep an eye out for the lines and remember if they are red, just be mindful of your surroundings.