As of March 11th, 2021, 18.8% of the US population has received at least one dose of the coronavirus vaccine. President Joe Biden has promised to have at least 1 million shots administered during his first 100 days in office through the end of April.
It remains to be seen how far along the United States will be in vaccinating against COVID-19 come graduation time in May. Some schools are still planning to air on the side of caution by hosting virtual graduation ceremonies for the class of 2021. Other schools and universities are having multiple sized-down ceremonies in order to provide their students with the sense of accomplishment of earning a degree and walking across the stage. The University of Oklahoma, for example, is welcoming 2021 and 2020 graduates to 6 separate traditional grad ceremonies!
Graduation Signs Provide the Pomp & Circumstance for 2020 and 2021 Grads
Due to varying COVID infection stats and safety protocols across the US, grad ceremonies will be handled differently from state to state in 2021. Many schools will keep their graduation rituals virtual for 2021, but there are still ways to show grads the support they deserve. In 2020, graduation yard signs were a HUGE HIT for parents and loved ones of high school and college graduates. Decorated with the graduate’s photo, graduating class, school mascot, and congratulatory message, these grad signs and banners provided some of the pomp and circumstance that was missed at traditional cap and gown ceremonies.
Customizing Signs for Your 2021 Graduate
Whether your excited graduate is earning a high school diploma or a college degree, you can show your support so that he or she doesn’t miss out on the graduation excitement.
What to include on a custom graduation sign:
Graduate’s full name
School name
School mascot
Grad’s earned degree
Graduate’s photo
Well wishes or other congratulatory message
About our Custom Graduation Yard Signs:
Made of durable corrugated plastic that lasts outdoors
Customized with full color vinyl overlay that can feature ANY text, mascot or photo
A collection of congratulatory messages from loved ones afar edited together
While there is much progress being made to beat the COVID-19 pandemic, many states may still not be in the clear to host traditional graduation ceremonies in May. Parents and loved ones of 2021 graduates can combine virtual ceremonies with gifts and custom signs that show support for the hard working students who earned diplomas and degrees during the pandemic!
The freedom to decorate your work space YOUR way is perhaps the greatest advantage of working from home! You set the rules. You create the aesthetic. There are a few popular desk themes we’re seeing since the beginning of the pandemic. If you’re short of ideas on how to update your work from home space, follow these tips and trends!
Go Green! Add a Plant or Succulent to Your Desk
Minimalist Foliage Acrylic Desk Plate
Bringing the outdoors in is proven to boost your mood. As you hack away at your daily work, especially now as people stayed hunkered indoors avoiding crowds, greenery has mood and health boosting benefits. Bring your work space to life with a faux or real house plant. Succulents are on trend, and they’re easy to care for if you don’t happen to have a green thumb. The faux ones, on the other hand, look just like the real thing and require no maintenance, while providing the same benefits as real plants. From colorful cacti to English Ivy, there are many beautiful plants you can add to your desk that will instantly boost your mood. Pair your plants with this botanical clear acrylic desk plate, or minimalist foliage acrylic desk plate, and your work from home space will feel like spring time year ’round.
Add Art: Colorful Signs or Personalized Plates
Customize with Your Name!
Many people working remotely do not have a designated office or desk. If you’ve had to carve out a corner of the kitchen or living room, make it your own with a personalized sign or license plate. Mark “Shirley’s She Shed” or “Oliver’s Office” with fun signs that feature your own unique message. Custom license plates are also a great way to personalize your desk or work space at home.
Clean & Clutter Free: Clear Your Head and Fight Germs
Clean, Clear, and Reliable!
Working remotely does drastically reduce the spread of germs, but we’re all still susceptible to illness. Keep your work from home space clean and clear! Add your own sanitizing wipes and a bottle of sanitizer. Also, keep extra items tucked away into drawers or cabinets. This way it’s easier to wipe down your work space at intervals throughout the day. Our new clear acrylic desk blocks also add to the clean and clear aesthetic! Designate your work space with a new clear desk plate that features your name and job title.
Comfortable & Cozy: Add Blankets and Candles
Add Warmth & Glow to Your Desk
Often times, employers have to limit the use of personal space heaters, fans, electric blankets and other comfort items that use electricity. When you’re working from home, you can use any of these items to keep yourself cozy all day! Set the mood every morning when you begin your work day. Light a candle, turn on your space heater, and grab your favorite blanket. With all the craziness in the world, you can control your work space and keep yourself comfortable! Also, while many employees may start to feel detached from their co-workers and their company, it’s also important to stay professional. Add your own custom desk plate to help remind you of your status, and your connection to your employer and your company’s goals.
Let in the Light! Position Yourself Next to a Window
Work with a View
When you’re working in the office, you often can’t control where your desk is placed. At home you can choose any space you like! Stay connected to the outdoors by taking breaks, practicing breathing exercises, and glancing out at nature. If you can’t work near a window, find the perfect desk lamp! From Himalayan salt lamps to custom candles, you can add comforting lighting to your work from home space. Also add an organic feel to your desk with a wood grain desk plate. You can customize this faux wood desk plate with your name, a title or a custom quote that inspires you.
Haute Hues: Add Pops of Color
A Pop of Color for Your Desk!
Sometimes all it takes to brighten your mood is a pop of color! Find desk essentials in crazy colors, like neon pink pens and pencils, a bright blue file holder, and an aqua pink iridescent desk plate. Show your artsy side and bring out all the color you can to liven up your work from home space!
Optimal & Organized: File and Stack with Purpose
Wipe it Away & Start Fresh!
Clutter is proven to cause stress levels to rise. Do yourself a favor and clear away unused papers and utensils. Take the extra coffee mugs to the kitchen. File away important notes and papers so they’re easy to find later. Keep out only the items you’ll need for your immediate task. Take 20 minutes each morning to organize your thoughts and plans, and jot down things you want to discuss in the day’s meetings. These quick, easy activities will provide mental clarity, and your desk will look impressively clean! There are a few desk staples that should always stay in sight, like your favorite pen, a desk light, and your custom desk plate. There are many professional desk plates to choose from! We like this new chalkboard desk plate. It’s great for writing your name, or a new quote or important reminder each day. Plus, it doubles as a handwriting practice tool for the young students who may be learning remotely.
There are tons of great ways to personalize your work from home desk or space! From plants to candles and blankets, you have the freedom to create your own aesthetic for your work from home day. Our desk plates, signs and desk signs add the finishing touch!
When starting a business or updating your latest marketing campaign, you’ll have to decide between different types of advertising. You’re going to question the best ways to reach your audience, how much you can spend, and the most effective ways to get your message across. Car magnets offer a straightforward, affordable way to attract customers. Whether you work for a small business or a booming chain, utilizing custom car magnets will help ring in the customers you have been asking for!
Think of the last time you had a service provider come to your home. Whether it was the cable guy, plumber, or lawn service, they most likely drove a branded car. Car magnets are not just a form of advertising. They are an essential branding tool that you need to include in your business. If you’re wondering if these magnetic signs are right for your company, check out our top 7 benefits.
Trust – Give your customers a sense of security with branded company vehicles. When your employees show up in marked cars, your business looks more legitimate. Branded car magnets show off your professionalism and ensure trust in your service.
Low Cost – Commercials, newspaper ads, and billboards will cost you a pretty penny and must be purchased over and over again. While the exposure is great, will you make back your investment? With car magnets, you can buy a set of two for less than $60. Car magnets are a one-time buy, proving to be the most cost-effective way to market your business.
Removable – Unlike vehicle wraps, the magnetic material these vehicle signs are made of allows you to cling, peel, and reposition them in a matter of seconds. Having a clean company car is essential. When you take your vehicle to the car wash, you can easily peel off your vehicle magnets, wash any dirt or dust particles off your car and place it back on. Having removable signage means you can move and replace the sign wherever you prefer!
Easy to Order – Using other forms of advertising can be complicated and pricey. It can involve contracts, negotiations, and payment plans. Custom car magnets are simple to personalize and buy. Choose from templates or customizable magnet options. Add all the business information you wish to display and click checkout. These high-quality magnets are made to your exact specifications and ready to apply right when your order arrives!
No Damage – Since magnetic car signs are easily removable, you do not have to worry about them causing abrasion to your vehicle. While other car advertisements like a vinyl wrap or stickers can add a fun element to your work vehicle, it can severely damage your paint job and requires a lot of upkeep.
Versatile – Magnetic decals work on any vehicle model. Whether you want to place your magnets on a sturdy work truck, small car, or an SUV, our car magnets are adaptable and come in multiple sizes to fit any vehicle. If separate work vehicles are not in your business’s budget, then placing your branded magnet on your personal vehicle can turn an ordinary car into a company car.
Brand Awareness – Every marketer’s top priority is showing their company’s brand, name, and message to all potential customers. The more eyes on their ad the better! With magnetic car signs, your advertisement is always on the go. Your business will be seen by hundreds to thousands of people, from drivers to pedestrians and neighbors!
Using a vehicle magnet is not the only important step in your business branding. To effectively market your service, you need to optimize the design and information displayed on your sign. No matter the industry, there are specific details that you must include on your car sign to receive the payoff!
Name – While this is self-explanatory, you must make sure your company name is front and center on your magnet. If all else fails, a simple Google search can help people find your business.
Logo – Images and clipart are great for drawing people’s attention. Vehicle graphics will attract eyes to your car sign. Your logo helps separate you from other companies that they may see on their drive.
Phone number – Your business phone number is a critical detail that you cannot leave out. Without contact information, you cannot expect potential customers to reach out for service. Providing a unique number or extension can even help you track the number of calls gained from your vehicle’s signs!
Address – Whether you have a physical address for business or a web address, clearly label it on your sign. People love to learn about a company before they invest their time and money. Make their decision in choosing your business easier by presenting your address!
Services Provided – While name, logo, and address are critical, you must inform customers of your type of service! Do not leave things up for interpretation. For example, including a picture of a dog instead of listing your trade can be confusing. A vague image of a dog could mean you work for a vet, groomer, or even a local shelter. Make your service clear.
Attract new customers with magnetic car signs and give your business the exposure it deserves. Finding the right way to advertise your services can be a challenge. When using branded car signs, you can put your business out there without making a huge investment or taking a big risk. It creates a cohesive and professional look that your customers will appreciate. Creating a custom magnet is easy and comes ready to use! Highlight your unique logo and business information on a product that will bring you deserved clientele. We would love to see how you display your custom car magnets! Share your photos with us by tagging @customsignsco and follow us for more business inspiration!
Christmas lights and decorations are expected to be extraordinary for the holiday season! A family car ride to see Christmas lights is a safe holiday event that many people are excited about. Lights and Christmas signs will bring something magical to the end the year. Expect to see extra festive lights, displays, signs and lawn décor in your town!
There are many wonderful ways to decorate for the holidays, but we’ve narrowed our list down to our top 4 favorite themes. We have the signs and stencils to help you decorate with each of these themes!
1. Prepare for Santa’s Landing!
Whether we’ve been naughty or nice this year, we will all be expecting something extra special from Santa’s Workshop! Kids and adults alike are excited to bring Christmas magic to their homes and yards to make Santa and his reindeer feel welcome. Here’s how you can get ready for Santa’s visit to your neighborhood, yard and home:
Leave Santa Parking Room!
Lead the way to your home with festive street signs
Make sure neighbors know to drive carefully when flying reindeer are near
Mark Santa’s landing zone
Make sure there’s adequate parking for Santa’s sleigh
Make sure Santa knows which family and pets have been good or bad this year! Design your own yard sign.
2. Create Your Own Woodland Winter Theme
If you want to make your yard look like a festive winter wonderland, go for classic reindeer, woodland creatures, pine cones and other forest inspired décor. Whether you’re in a mild or snowy climate, you can turn to mother nature for all the best décor!
Image: diynetwork.com
Create your own rustic reindeer wooden signs with white paint and a stencil! You can make them of all sizes, and lean them next to your front door for a warm welcome
Create pine cone mulch to make a festive entry to your cozy home
Find unique, creative décor like this reindeer mobile to hang on your front porch or mark your yard with a Reindeer Lane street sign
Image: BobVila.com
Bring the outdoors inside and make your own pinecone garland!
Create your own picket-fence snowflakes, or rustic snowflake signs. Use store bought picket fence sections, or find natural elements from your own back yard to create a rustic version of this!
4. Celebrate Your Loved Ones with Personalized Yard Signs
Loved ones make the season bright! Celebrate your family with personalized Christmas yard signs! Add your favorite family photo and a message from you to everyone who passes by. Send well wishes and holiday happiness, or add a little holiday humor with this ugly Christmas sweater sign.
There are countless ways to celebrate and decorate! If you have unique ideas we’d love to see them. Tag us on Instagram @CustomSigns!
As many students head back to brick and mortar learning, schools are doing everything they can to enforce social distancing. From one-way entries and exits, and reminders on signs and decals, to designated COVID response teams, school districts and instructors are doing everything they can to ensure the safety of their students.
Many parents and educators fear the risk of depriving children of in-person instruction, as research shows that children experience learning loss, depression, anxiety and other symptoms as a result of lock down. Other educators and parents would rather continue distance learning to avoid the potential spread of coronavirus, and may have immunocompromised or elderly family members at home. There is no one size fits all answer to whether children should be back in the classroom.
Source: USA Today
While the debate continues across the US, some schools have taken an educational and lighthearted approach to social distancing. To combine the best of in-person learning AND COVID safety, a school in Ithaca, New York, for example, is using educational floor decals to keep kids at a safe distance.
Check out these creative floor decals being used by a school in Ithaca, New York:
There are many safety procedures being taken to fight the spread of COVID-19.
Schools are implementing safety procedures such as:
Designating small groups of students who stay together throughout the day
These designated groups take recess and eat lunch together
Avoiding communal gathering in large groups
Planning a hybrid approach to learning (groups of students take turns learning remotely when possible)
Arranging instructional spaces so that students have distance between one another, and from the teacher
There are also many ways to make COVID safety procedures educational, and helpful tips for teaching students of all ages about coronavirus. Whether you have chosen to send your kids back to school or you’re continuing distance learning, there are measures we can all take to stay safe.
If you have a creative idea, or a unique sign in your home, office, or school, share it with us at @customsignsco on Instagram!
UPDATE: Due to the continued outbreak of COVID-19, on July 23rd, Donald Trump and the Republican party cancelled the Jacksonville event. The Republican National Convention will instead take place in Charlotte, North Carolina, as originally planned.
With the 2020 presidential election racing ahead at full steam, there was a shake-up with the RNC. Originally scheduled to take place in Charlotte and due to disagreements between the White House and the North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, the RNC Convention was moved to Jacksonville.
Here are a few notes to help you prepare for the event.
When is the Republican National Convention?
The GOP convention will take place from August 24-27.
Shifting on this short of a notice means the city has little time to prepare. Some pointed out how overwhelmed the city was for the 2005 Super Bowl. But, Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry and Governor Ron DeSantis are confident the city will be ready. According to Politico, Curry stated, “…additional rooms had been added to the metropolitan area.”
Where is the Republican National Convention?
Celebrations, such as Donald Trump’s acceptance speech for receiving the nomination, for the RNC will be held at the Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida.
The Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina was the convention site. And, more of the “official” business will still be done there due to contractual obligations. But, Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper insisted on maintaining social distancing guidelines, as recommended by health officials, for the rallies. To which Donald Trump refused to accept.
Many of Duval county’s voters are concerned about the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic. According to a survey conducted by Red America, Blue America, 61 percent of those surveyed are concerned the Republican Convention could cause a new outbreak of COVID-19 in the area.
Get Ready to Show Your Support
Do you want to show your support at home and at the convention?
CustomSigns.com is a Jacksonville-based company that has a variety of Republican Party merchandise. Save on your accessories when you use the coupon code: csign20.
Find signs, front license plates, buttons, and more. Display your allegiance with pride before, during, and after the 2020 Republican National Convention with CustomSigns.com.
The class of 2020 has proven itself to be resilient and steadfast. While graduates are missing out on traditional graduation ceremonies, proms and other coming-of-age traditions, they’re also stepping above the difficulties imposed by COVID-19 with new, creative ideas.
Here are some of the best ways that 2020 graduates, teachers and parents are rising above and celebrating their success:
Students are Hosting Their Own Graduation Ceremonies:
University of Michigan Students Create a Make-shift Graduation Ceremony
Some graduates are coming together and creating their own, 2020 versions of grad ceremonies. This group of University of Michigan graduates, for example, created a front-yard graduation ceremony with a makeshift stage. Each sorority sister wore her grad cap and walked across the stage to receive her diploma. The ceremony was hosted on a video call for parents and friends to see!
Neighborhoods are Having Socially Distant, Drive-Through Graduation Parades:
A.J., a High School Grad in Kentucky, Gets Ready for Drive-Thru Parade
For younger graduates of kindergarten, middle school and high school, many neighborhood residents are coming together to create drive-through graduation parades! Each family that participates decorates the family vehicle and saddles up their grads to ride around and give themselves and other grads the attention they’ve worked for. Graduation decor for these 2020 grad parades includes custom banners, car flags, car signs, balloons and more! Residents are also putting up personalized graduation yard signs to give their grads attention that lasts all summer.
Some Schools are Hosting Drive-Through Graduation Ceremonies:
146 High School Grads Drove Through to Get their Diplomas
Some high schools across the US, like this Kentucky school, are giving graduates a unique experience that is the closest resemblance of a traditional ceremony as possible. At unique 2020 graduation ceremonies like this, families drive-through to get their graduate’s diploma. Staff and school officials are dressed in traditional regalia and wearing masks to promote safety. Cars are decked out with signs, balloons, streamers and more. Families can honk, wave and cheer, as long as there is no hugging or hand shaking.
Families are Honoring their Grads with Custom Yard Signs:
Proud of our Senior Yard Sign by CustomSigns.com
Whether or not some families have a block party or drive-through graduation ceremony to attend, they’re still showing their grads some love with custom graduation yard signs. Across many American neighborhoods, there are fully customized yard signs with graduate photos, names, Class of 2020, school mascots and more! These deserving graduates are getting the attention they’ve worked hard for. While it’s not the same as the important ritual of walking across the stage, it’s the best 2020 is offering to these excited new graduates!
Employers are Recognizing Their 2020 Grads!
Graduation Yard Signs for Publix Employees by CustomSigns.com
Some employers across the US, like this Publix in St. Johns, Florida, are posting signs to honor their graduating employees! Each 2020 graduate that works at this grocery store is being recognized with a custom graduation yard sign that features his or her name and the message “a 2020 graduate works here.”
It’s exciting to see companies rallying behind new grads who otherwise might not be recognized for their hard work!
Going Virtual:
While there are many real-life graduation celebrations happening across the US, there are also virtual ceremonies, video calls, online tributes, photo collages and more! The class of 2020 is showing its resilience by hosting virtual graduation events and parties that allow relatives and friends to join from afar.
Deserving 2020 Graduates with their Personalized Grad Signs
Congrats to Our Graduate Yard Sign by CustomSigns.comCongrats to Our 2020 Graduate Yard Sign by CustomSigns.com
Graduation Yard Signs at CustomSigns.com:
At HC Brands, we care about honoring 2020 graduates of all ages! We’re producing hundreds of graduation yard signs every day and ensuring they are shipped next business day so that parents and new grads can celebrate their accomplishment!
You can trust that our custom graduation yard signs are made with precision and care. We offer easy-to-customize templates that feature the graduate’s photo, name, school name and Class of 2020. You can also find simpler layouts with your choice of background color.
If you’re hosting a party, or you live in an apartment or high rise building, you may be interested in large scale graduation banners that can hang on balconies, walls and more.
While social distancing is causing traditional ceremonies to be postponed or cancelled, you can still find new, creative ways to celebrate the Class of 2020.
In a matter of days, the US has adopted and become very familiar with a new word – social distancing. Anyone paying attention to the news, their neighbors, or strangers in their local grocery store, is aware of social distancing and what it means. Staying six feet away from other people is the most common of the social distancing measures. Maintaining distance, and “doing the five“, are vital practices for businesses who have kept their doors open to the public.
COVID-19 has created a new way of living, and it’s likely to be the new norm even after initial fears of coronavirus infection have faded. Residences and businesses have access to new signage designed to help reinforce social distancing, and control the spread of COVID-19. Whether you have a high-risk person in your household, or you are keeping your business afloat during the pandemic, you can find signs to remind others to keep a proper social distance.
Business Signs for Social Distancing
Most businesses, particularly small local businesses across the US, are doing everything they can to stay afloat and to follow guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Make sure you have signage in place that lets your customers know you are open for business, and that you are following CDC guidelines.
Keep your business running during quarantine and social distancing with:
Once the US is operating normally again, businesses and individuals will still be on high alert, and keenly aware of the danger of infectious disease. It is pertinent to adopt new procedures and ensure that your staff and customers follow them. Get the signs you need to let customers know you are practicing newly adopted rules and expectations in a post-COVID-19 world.
Also make sure your customers have easy access to the information they need about your business. Make sure your signage is current and that it reflects your latest hours, procedures, new delivery services and rules.
Every small business or restaurant should post updated signs for their:
Residential COVID-19 Safety Signs and Social Distancing Signs
Delivery of groceries, take-out, gifts and everyday essentials is a popular convenience that many people enjoy, and it continues to grow in popularity. Amazon’s two day delivery is the standard these days. Modern consumers have grown to expect quick, fast delivery to their front door. This likely will not change, but will become more common as people adapt to life after the coronavirus outbreak. Households with high risk family members can protect themselves from exposure to illnesses by posting signs such as:
“Someone in this House Has a Weakened Immune System”
Lighten the Mood with Decorative Signs for Home or Business
As post-pandemic messaging becomes standard, businesses and home owners will be placing these signs in plain sight. You can maintain your home or business aesthetic with required signage. Decorative signs include engraved wood, brass and plastic. You can even carve out a personal space at home with she shed and man cave signs. Create your own sign to include any message you want! Make it funny or inspirational.
Decorative signs are available for homes, businesses and cars.
Healthcare workers, the government, and everyday people are navigating unfamiliar territory. New York City residents who use public transportation daily, along with teachers, workers in elderly care facilities, childcare facilities and so many other professions and walks of life will undoubtedly take stronger measures against potential future outbreaks.
Everyone can do their part in flattening the curve, and preparing for the return to school, work, and everyday life. Remember to do the five!
What better time to update your business’s safety standards than the start of a new year?
2020 is here. When was the last time you audited your safety requirements? The importance of following OSHA regulations cannot be understated. So, as you move into the new year, ensure your workplace stays up-to-date on all safety standards.
To start, what is the number of people injured on the job?
Workplace Injury Statistics
As with most studies, the figures and statistics can vary.
The National Safety Council (NSC) estimates that number to be even higher. According to the NSC, a workplace injury happens every seven seconds which approximates to 4.6 million injuries each year.
Here is an infographic from the NSC illustrating their findings:
Review your workplace. What can you update to improve safety within your organization?
A Year in Safety
The end of the year is a great time for you to reflect on your current safety standards.
What worked?
What didn’t work?
Are there gaps in your training?
Have there been OSHA updates that affect your business?
How much did your company pay out for safety violations or worker’s compensation?
Are your signs faded or broken and need replacing?
Gather as much information as you can and update your safety regulations. Work with your administrative level employees as well as the rest of your work force. Audit your high traffic areas and work zones to ensure compliance with national safety standards. Ensure your workplace follows fire safety procedures. Replace safety signs that may be difficult to read.
Check Your Equipment
Ensure your equipment is functioning properly. Much like how a dull knife is more dangerous than a sharp one, if your equipment or tools aren’t cared for, the likelihood of injury increases.
Relating to training, make sure everyone who operates required machinery or other tools understands how to use them safely. This could mean additional digital courses or in-person sessions teaching proper handling, operating, cleaning, storing, and maintenance. Any employee who uses your equipment should also follow established guidelines on general inspection before and after use. Encourage them to report any irregularities such as exposed wires, cracks, unusual sparks, or other malfunctions.
Aside from daily use inspections, you may need to follow regulations requiring professional equipment inspections depending on your business. These inspections may occur trimonthly, semi-annually, annually, or at a different interval. Be sure you know when your equipment needs to be inspected.
It seems obvious, but be sure to repair or replace and equipment that needs it. Your workplace and employees will stay safer if you do.
Is Your Workplace Fire Safe?
‘To hope for the best and prepare for the worst, is a trite but a good maxim.’
Fires can break out almost anywhere. While there are prevention measures you can take to lessen the chances, your organization should establish procedures to prevent injury and death.
Inspect your fire extinguishers. You should check on them monthly and have a fire equipment professional inspect them annually. Again, the end or start of the year is a great time to have this done. Furthermore, ensure your sprinkler system functions. Your automatic fire dousing system needs to work to prevent, or at least, delay a fire from spreading. Test your alarms to make sure their tones are loud and clear. Functioning alarms may be your first warning of a starting fire.
Clearly mark fire exits with eye-catching signage. Set safe meeting places to account for everyone. Label fire extinguishers for everyone to see. Ensure your employees know where all of these things are with proper training. These are all things you can do to reduce damages and keep your work force safe.
Refresh First Aid Supplies & Equipment
Every business should keep first aid supplies on-hand. You should inspect your kits at least annually, so the end of the year is the perfect time.
Make sure your equipment is still viable and all the necessary equipment is present. Bandages, antiseptics, gauze, and other medical supplies needed to treat minor injuries should be clean and stored.
If you operate a warehouse, factory, or other workshop, inspect your eye wash stations. Are they functional? Do they need cleaning? Are they easy to find and marked with appropriate signage? These are all important in keeping your employees safe in treating exposure to dust, debris, and hazardous chemicals.
Update Your Safety Signage
Once you’ve reviewed the areas in your business that need updates, make sure your safety signs are updated. We’ll go into the importance of understanding signs below, but know that your signs need to be visible at all times.
Are your signs dull, worn, or broken? Many businesses are required to post specific signage signifying hazardous areas. Maintaining your signs and replacing old ones keeps everyone aware of possible dangers and the proper methods of preventing injuries. Understand all required signage your business needs to post, audit your current signs, and update or replace them as needed.
Once you’ve reviewed or made updates, ensure your work force follows any new regulations with proper training.
Safety Training
Most workplace injuries are preventable. It is common to hear professionals claim that 99% of accidents are preventable. Some say there are no such things as “accidents” at all.
Depending on your market, a hazard-free workplace may not be achievable. Construction sites, road repair services, factories, and other fields are inherently dangerous. But, you can decrease the likelihood of injuries with proper employee training.
Is your training comprehensive and easy to understand?
Your safety regulations may be in-depth and fool-proof but that means nothing if your employees don’t understand or are unaware of your established standards.
Workplace safety starts with your employees.
Regular safety training ensures everyone understands new standards. Most fields must perform annual training at a minimum. But, frequent and effective training can decrease the chances of serious injury. A 2009 study found that effective training can reduce the number of days-away-from-work injuries.
Has your work site experienced a recent, serious injury? Review your current training programs and identify areas in which your process can be improved.
The new year also gives you an opportunity to look back at 2019 and find any gaps in your training programs.
Would an online, in-person, or on-the-job element help? Ask your long-time employees and new hires what their concerns are. They may give you new insight into misunderstandings around your training courses. They’ll also appreciate having their voice heard by management.
The Cost of Poor Training
Training employees can seem like a major expense, but it shouldn’t be overlooked or ignored. The cost of not including proper training for your workers can far outweigh the downsides.
Shift eLearning states that companies that put a focus on employee development can see an average of 24% more profit if they invest $1,500 into their training. Furthermore, investing in your employees means a more productive work force, less turnover, and a happier work environment.
If you don’t train your employees, your business could suffer more than lost profit. OSHA’s penalties for violating workplace safety regulations can start at $13,260 per violation. Your company may also be liable for workers compensation, medical bills, and legal payments depending on the severity of the incident.
Ensure your company doesn’t spend more money than it has to, with comprehensive training for all employees. Your business will benefit from it while avoiding violation fines and other unnecessary expenses.
Understanding Signage
Part of your training should include a section or sections on what safety signs mean.
There are many pictogram hazard symbols. If your company handles hazardous materials, your employees need to know what each symbol means.
Posting these signs serves as a reminder for your employees to follow safety protocols. However, if your employees don’t know what these signs mean, then they won’t help in your safety efforts.
Additionally, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires certain signage to properly advertise hazardous elements in your business. When ordering or designing your signage, you must follow the OSHA signage design guidelines.
Ensure your training program covers what signs your company uses and their meanings. Again, your business may follow all the design requirements and regulations, but it means nothing if your work force doesn’t know what they mean.
This all leads to how improper training can cost your business more money.
CustomSigns.com is your one-stop-shop for compliant safety signage. We are your experts on the professional signs you need for your business.
The holidays are here which means many Americans are taking to the roads for home. If you’re one of the thousands of travelers this season, following posted signs and other traffic control devices will mean a safer trip for you and other drivers and pedestrians.
Understanding the importance of traffic signs and their meaning keeps everyone safe. The holiday season is a busy time of year for travelers, so follow the warnings posted along the roads of the United States for your safety and the well-being of others.
If you’re a new driver, make sure you understand these and other signs. Your safety and the safety of others depends on all of us knowing traffic laws and following posted traffic control devices.
We’re going to break down the basics of sign designs in color and shape. These give an easy way to identify upcoming road hazards or changing conditions. At the end of this article, we’ll show you some uncommon or confusing signs you may come across.
But, before that, let’s see the design concepts behind these signs.
Regulatory Signs
As the title suggests, regulatory road signs regulate the flow of traffic. These signs direct motorists to specific actions such as yielding to other lanes or upcoming speed changes.
These types of signs are meant to be followed at all times. Some signs, as you’ll see later, are suggestions or call attention to attractions or rest areas. These are not considered regulatory signs. Whereas things like Yield Signs, Speed Limit Signs, or Construction Signs regulate and control the flow the traffic. So, these are regulatory signs.
With that in mind, you need to know what the colors of different signs mean.
Road Sign Color Meanings
We previously touched on how businesses use color to influence customers, but color also plays an important part in road safety. Colors quickly and easily convey vague messages to road users. The symbols assign the specific meaning, but color is usually the first thing drivers notice. While the full intent of a sign may not be immediately known, seeing the color provides drivers with initial information.
Understanding the general idea of road sign colors keeps you alert and cognizant of potentially changing road conditions.
White
White road signs have a wide variety of uses as they are primarily regulatory signs. Speed limit, lane restriction, and weight limit signs are all examples of white road signs.
Red
Red road signs are regulatory signs. They indicate prohibited actions or direct drivers towards certain actions such as stopping at an intersection or yielding to oncoming or highway traffic.
The best known type of red sign are Stop Signs. They’re bright, they’re noticeable, and they tell you what to do.
Yellow
Yellow signs issue a warning to road users. These may be the most common and numerous type of road safety sign. Warning road signs have a variety of uses and generally inform drivers of changes and disruptions to the flow of traffic or terrain such as potential wildlife or merging lanes.
Green
Green signs serve as guides. Guide signs tend to bear information such as street names, interstate on and off ramps, and distances to cities and towns.
Blue
Blue signs are not regulatory signs. However, they denote services for drivers such as gas stations, hospitals, and rest areas.
Since they aren’t regulatory, blue signs don’t control traffic in any way. They show you places to stop or other attractions, but you’re under no obligation to follow them.
Brown
Like blue signs, brown signs are not regulatory. They indicate guidance for road users towards recreational areas such as picnic areas, swimming locations, hiking trails, and many more.
Again, since brown signs aren’t regulatory, you don’t need to follow them.
Fluorescent Yellow-Green
These signs signify pedestrian crossing areas and school zones. It may be difficult to differentiate between this color and the yellow warning signs, and it is important to acknowledge the caution these signs offer for the safety of pedestrians and students.
Orange
Contrary to some beliefs, orange construction signs are not permanent. An orange sign means drivers need to know of temporary traffic control changes such as lanes closed for construction, slow traffic, and marking the beginning or end of road work zones.
Road Sign Shapes
The shape of a traffic sign works in tandem with its color in quickly imprinting and informing of a general warning or alert. Like color, since shape is an easy visual identifier, you can quickly interpret a traffic control sign’s general meaning by looking at its shape.
Diamond Shaped
Diamond signs mean some form of warning. They’re typically used in conjunction with the color yellow to better alert drivers.
Pentagon Shaped
These signs indicate a school zone or crosswalk. Many of these signs use the fluorescent yellow/green color for consistency.
Triangle Shaped
There are a couple meanings for triangle road signs.
Yield: Possibly the most common form of triangle sign, Yield signs alert drivers to slow down and yield to oncoming or ongoing traffic
No Passing Zone: These pennant-shaped signs inform drivers of a stretch of road where passing is not allowed and potentially hazardous such as around long turns or narrow lanes
Rectangular Shaped
Rectangular vertical and horizontal signs have a variety of uses, but there are some general meanings for each.
Vertical: Regulate driving behaviors such as indicating speed limits or informing of lane restrictions
Horizontal: Typically help in guiding drivers such as indicating a sharp turn, but horizontal signs have a variety of uses
Round/Circle Shaped
Circle road signs inform drivers of an upcoming railroad crossing.
Octagon Shaped
This may be the most easily recognizable. Octagon shaped signs are Stop signs.
Road Sign Symbols
While a sign’s color provides preliminary information, its symbol defines it. Many symbols and phrases adorn our streets, highways, and interstates, and understanding them ensures safe travels during the season. There are many different types of roads signs and they each carry their own meaning.
Most signs bear symbols in black or other contrasting color. This makes the sign easy to see and identify from further away. The typical colors for road sign symbols are white and black. They’re easy to see and contrast with most background colors.
Uncommon Sign Meanings
Knowing the colors and shapes of the variety of signs found along America’s highways and interstates allows you to quickly understand their general ideas. However, the symbols define the specific meanings.
As a reminder before your holiday travels, here are a few confusing or less-than-common signs to bear in mind:
This sign often gets confused with the similar Leaving Divider sign. The Divided Highway sign signifies an upcoming physical split in the road.
You should understand why this is important. If you don’t adhere to the warning of a Divided Highway sign, you could run into the median or off the road.
Merging Traffic
This sign alerts drivers that an upcoming ramp merges directly into the flow of traffic.
Staying aware of your place and the places of other drivers keeps everyone safe. You need to know that an on-ramp is coming up to keep an eye out for merging cars.
Added Lane
Contrasting with the Merging Traffic sign, an Added Lane sign informs drivers of a road or ramp adding another lane alongside and in the same direction as the current flow of traffic.
Similar to Merging Traffic signs, you need to know whether a ramp adds a new lane to the road or not. If it does, you’ll need to be aware of drivers staying in their lane. If not, you need to find a safe way to let other drivers into the flow of traffic.
Slippery When Wet
Relatively self-explanatory, a Slippery When Wet sign warns drivers to take caution of water on the road.
If you’re travelling through states or regions prone to snow for the holidays, you need to heed the warning this sign offers. Water always alters road conditions, but certain road types, such as bridges and overpasses, can become even more hazardous than standard asphalt.
Bridge Ices Before Road
Another example of weather warning, a Bridge Ices Before Road sign alerts motorists to watch for ice patches on the road.
The reason bridges ice over faster than roads is due to their construction. Roads built on the ground take longer to change in temperature because only one side is exposed to the air while bridges cool faster because of the colder air both above and below the structure.
Road Narrows
This sign means that the road itself narrows up ahead. Understanding this warning is important as a tighter lane space means less room for you and other drivers.
A narrowing road could mean dangerous conditions such as soft dirt to either side, a water feature such as a river, or tight and close rocky walls. Whatever the reason, you need to follow a Road Narrows sign to avoid a collision or falling off the motorway.
Two Way Traffic
These signs demonstrate a change from one way or split roads into a two-way highway or interstate.
If you’ve been traveling on a single-lane road, these signs alert you to on-coming traffic. This is important so you understand where the new bounds of your lane are.
“X” Crossing
There are many kinds of crossing signs and they vary from region to region. Many signs indicate wildlife crossing areas for animals such as bears, deer, or cattle. Additionally, there are signs warning of farm equipment or recreational vehicle crossing.
Regardless of the source, you must stay aware of animal and equipment crossing signs for your safety and other bystanders.
These signs warn of potential hazards. As a driver, you should already be aware of your surroundings. But, Animal or Equipment Crossing signs reinforce that behavior. An animal could dart out in front of your vehicle, but you might be able to avoid a collision if you stay vigilant in these sections of road.
Advisory Speed
Some stretches of road indicate a suggested speed. Such markers may be found along exit ramps or lanes, upcoming turns, or other potentially hazardous sections of road.
These signs are not regulatory speed limit signs. However, they indicate and suggest the maximum safest speed given usual road conditions. While these signs aren’t absolute, it is best to heed them.
Winding Road
This type of warning sign alerts drivers of an upcoming section of road that contains more frequent turns and curves. Advisory Speed signs may accompany these markers for added safety.
A multitude of signs line America’s highways and interstates. Understanding their meaning and heeding them ensures you, your family, and other drivers will arrive safely.
CustomSigns.com is your one-stop-shop for professional-grade signs. From safety signs to office signs to ADA compliant signs, we are the best online source for all of your signage needs.
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