What Exactly Is An Underneath?

An actual sign on the DC Metro (or “subway” for we real Americans):

Danger: Do not touch electrical paddles protruding from underneath of train!

OK. Fine. I won’t. There’s no need to shout. I’m willing to follow your cryptic instructions. But first answer some questions:

A) What the hell is an electrical paddle? It actually sort of sounds fun. Are you sure we can’t touch them? One? Can we touch just one?

B) FROM UNDERNEATH OF? This is three prepositions in a row. Which is too many prepositions from above to around about write in a row. Unless… is “underneath” a noun? “I have to scratch my underneath, because it itches”? “Put that baby on the underneath of the blanket so it’s warm”? “Hey, Mister! Hands off the underneath! I’m married!”

No. No, I don’t think it is. Come on, DC Metro.

And most importantly C) If they’re so dangerous, could you maybe get them back underneath of the train? You think? Must they protrude? There’s got to be a better way, yeah? Yeah.

Still want an electrical paddle though. Bet I’d win at ping pong every time.