Pet Fire Safety

Home fires are an unpredictable tragedy that can be difficult to recover from. While people are capable of finding their way to safety, pets follow their instincts, which means there is more risk in protecting them during emergencies. There are special considerations you should take to give your pets the best chance of survival in the case of a fire.

Animal Instincts

As humans, we understand that we need to escape a burning building. However, our pets often revert to their instincts during stressful situations. Many animals will go into familiar hiding places thinking they are safe. They may become agitated or aggressive, making it more difficult to remove them from a fire. Understanding your pet’s behaviors will give you a better chance of saving them during an emergency.

Pet Alert Stickers

Stickers or signs that alert to the presence of animals in your home may help keep them safe. Pet alert stickers are placed on windows or doors to alert firefighters and rescue workers that your household has animals inside.

Do They Work?

There is some question as to whether pet alert stickers and signs actually help keep our animals safe. The question “How do firefighters feel about those ‘Please save our pet(s)’ stickers” on Quora.¹ Most of the responses indicate that firefighters generally ignore these signs. According to the answers, there is no way of knowing if the pet, or pets, are still alive, if the animals are even present, or if the stickers were put in place by a previous occupant. Structural damage caused by a fire makes prolonged searching dangerous, so firefighters don’t seem to put special consideration into pet alert stickers.

However, firefighters generally conduct searches during a fire, if the circumstances allow. Additionally, there are a few responses on Quora from some firefighters stating they appreciate knowing that pets may be present. Ensure that your stickers are updated to reflect the current occupants.

Pet Safety Tips

What can be done to keep our pets safe during a fire? There are a number of precautions you can do in order to prepare for the worst.

1. Note Hiding Places

If your pets hide during thunderstorms or when fireworks are set off near your home, you should take note of their preferred spaces. Animals may tuck themselves under beds, under tables, in closets, or other confined spaces in order to feel safe. During a fire, your pets may hide themselves in one of their favorite spots in an attempt to escape the danger. Knowing where your pets could be can help you and rescue workers retrieve them in time.

2. Keep Kennels Close to Entrances

Many people keep their pets in kennels or crates during the day for various reasons. The locations of where these are kept vary according to house or apartment layout. However, if possible, place kennels, crates, and other animal carriers near entrances or exits while you’re away from home. This makes finding your pets much easier for firefighters and first responders.

3. Post Pet Alert Stickers

While pet alerts may or may not be heeded depending on the level of danger, it is still important to alert firefighters to the presence of your animals. An updated sticker detailing the number of animals in your household can help rescue workers in their search.

4. Train When Possible

It is also easier for first responders to locate your pets if you train them to respond to particular commands. You or emergency personnel, if given the command word or phrase, will then be able to call your pets during the search or out of the burning building.

CustomSigns.com is your one-stop-shop for fire safety signs. Keep the inhabitants of your building safe and comply with safety regulations with our collection of metal and plastic signs and vinyl decals.

References:

Quora

May 8, 2019June 18, 2020

Secure Your Summer with These Safety Signs & Tips

Beach with No Swimming Signs and Sunbather

Vacation Season

With summer almost here, many people will be spending time outside or rushing off for family trips. It’s easy to forget general safety tips during summertime if you’re busy taking advantage of the pleasant weather or enjoying your time off. Camping, long-awaited vacations, the beach, grilling, swimming, and many other fun activities await, after all, and according to a 2017 study, 80% of United States residents took a vacation during the summer.¹ However, summer safety should stay a priority even during your upcoming holiday. Here are some tips for kids and adults to help keep your summer safe and fun!

The Great Outdoors

If you’re going hiking or camping, be sure to heed any warnings concerning fire or wildlife danger. Ensure any fire pits or campfires you light are built properly and away from tents, dry twigs, and nearby foliage to prevent wildfires. Remember to bring bug spray to keep pests away and first aid materials in the case of a minor incident. Be mindful of any local fauna postings, such as bear warnings, or if you run a campground or other such location, ensure you prominently place appropriate signage warning campers of potential wildlife and forest fire dangers.

Whether you’re going hiking, camping, to the beach, to the pool, or simply spending time outside at home, always remember to pack and apply sunscreen every two to four hours. The sun’s harmful UVB rays are the cause of 95% of melanoma cases and 99% of non-melanoma skin cancers.² However, according to an Australian study, appropriate application of SPF 15 sunscreen can reduce your chance of developing melanoma by up to 50%.³ Make sure your sunscreen isn’t expired as it can lose effectiveness over time. Sunscreen is an important and easy way to keep you and your skin healthy!

Pool or Beach Side

Many vacationers and coast-dwellers will probably spend some time swimming this summer. It’s a refreshing break from the hot summer sun, a phenomenal form of exercise, and a great way to stay cool. However, there are a few water safety tips to keep in mind while you’re at your favorite swimming locale. If you plan on going to a public pool, you can start by following all posted pool policies. Generally, swimming pool rules are established for the protection of swimmers. No diving, running, glass containers, and leaving children unsupervised are common safety rules meant to protect pool-goers from injury. If you own a pool or your organization has one on property, be sure to keep your swimming pool safety signage updated to reflect current policies. Additionally, there’s the old belief that you should wait 30 minutes to an hour after eating before you can swim, but according to an article from Mayo Clinic and Dr. Boniface, “You may end up with some stomach cramping or a muscle cramp” and “it may not be the most comfortable thing to go for a swim with a full belly, the world won’t end if you ignore your mom’s advice.”⁴

Workplace Woes

Unfortunately, many of us don’t get to enjoy a summer break. Work still needs to be done, but now is a prime opportunity to address summer safety topics for your workplace. It’s easy to skip drinking water while you’re on the clock, so remind your employees and coworkers to stay hydrated during the hot months to prevent dehydration. Perhaps now is the time to update your business’ safety signage. Given the hot and dry weather summer brings, you may consider updating or adding additional fire safety signs and equipment. Clearly marking fire exits and extinguishers can help keep you and your coworkers safe in the case of an emergency. Finally, if your employees spend most of the workday outdoors, remember to let them take plenty of breaks to avoid heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

At Home

Whether you can’t travel due to work or simply want a relaxing stay-cation, you always want to keep your home or apartment safe. From a 2014 study from the Bureau of Justice, there is evidence of increased crime rate during the summer. Burglaries occur up to 11% more and household larceny up to 8% more frequently compared to other seasons.⁵ One way to discourage potential criminals is by posting video surveillance signs if you have a camera security system. If you don’t have an electronic security system but do have a canine companion, then hanging “Beware of Dog” signs on your property can help deter would-be burglars and vandals. Home is meant to be a safe haven for you and your family, and warding off unwelcome guests and intruders with clearly marked warning signs can help this summer.

Summer is the season of fun for many. Ensure you keep yours that way by following a few summer safety tips!

References

Minnaert, Lynn. (2017). US Family Travel Survey 2017. Retrieved from https://www.scps.nyu.edu/content/dam/scps/pdf/200/200-4/200-4-16/P1718-0036-2017_Family_Travel_Survey.pdf
www.cancercouncil.com.au
ascopubs.org
newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org
www.bjs.gov

January 18, 2019November 9, 2020

Caution, Warning and Danger Signs Explained

Safety Sign Meanings

Table of Contents
Safety Headers
Safety Symbols
Sign Legends
Types of Safety Signs
▸ Caution Signs
▸ Warning Signs
▸ Danger Signs
▸ Notice Signs
▸ Instructional Signs
▸ Alert Symbols

Workplace safety signage is required by law. All organizations, from international companies to small businesses, are legally responsible for knowing the risks, effectively communicating these risks with all employees, and complying with all safety regulations, specific to their industries, as set forth by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) is responsible for setting the standards and guidelines for proper workplace safety signage that is enforced by OSHA. There are three key standards that specify the design and content of safety signs.

It is also important to understand what social distancing signs mean to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Caution, Warning, & Danger Signs

Here are the brief meanings of these types of signs:

Caution Signs: minor or moderate injuries may occur
Warning Signs: serious injuries or death MAY occur
Danger Signs: serious injuries or death are VERY LIKELY to occur

These signs all serve to remind everyone to take proper safety precautions to prevent injury or death in the appropriate degrees.

Safety Headers or Signal Words

A SAFETY HEADER or signal word, including danger, warning, caution, notice, or specific safety instructions, is determined by the degree of the potential hazard.

Safety Symbols

SAFETY SYMBOLS or pictograms effectively communicate across language barriers, providing visual alerts about hazards, precautions, or other necessary information.

Sign Legends

SIGN LEGENDS must accurately communicate the hazard the sign is warning of.

Types of Safety Signs

There are a variety of workplace safety signs and they each signify different hazard levels. With this comes a variety of questions. What does a Caution sign mean? What is a Warning sign? What do Danger signs indicate? Below are brief descriptions of the different types of workplace safety signs and what they stand for.

Caution Signs

These signs warn of potential physical injuries caused by slips or falls, harmful substances, or other unsafe practices. All caution signs must have a bright yellow background and yellow letters against a black panel.

What Does Yellow Caution Tape Mean for OSHA?

Much like how Caution signs identify potentially dangerous areas, caution tape also marks areas to be wary of. It may be used to label areas that may be entered but only with caution, areas that are no longer safe to enter, or sensitive areas such as crime scenes.

Warning Signs

‘WARNING’ text must be printed in black letters on an orange background. These signs may also include a bright blue graphic depicting a safety precaution that should be taken in a specific area.

Danger Signs

These signs should only be posted in areas where there is potentially deadly harm from dangerous equipment or other environmental hazards, such as radiation, high voltage, or hazardous fumes, among others. Danger signs must be red, black, and white, and include ‘DANGER’ printed in white lettering on a red, oval shaped background. OSHA requires that all employees be made aware that danger signs indicate immediate danger and extreme caution must be used in the area at all times.

Is Danger or Warning More Severe?

It can be easy to lose track of the differences between Warning and Danger. What it boils down to is this; Warning signs indicate areas where severe injury or death MAY happen, whereas Danger signs indicate a zone where injury or death is VERY LIKELY to occur unless proper precautions are taken.

Notice Signs

NOTICE SIGNS signify lower risk areas and can also promote safety in the workplace or other public areas.

These signs generally display rules such as ‘please wash hands’ or ‘keep this area clean’. Notice signs also are used for distinguishing areas designated as ‘employees only’ and other low risk designations. Notice signs are blue and white.

Safety Instruction Signs

SAFETY INSTRUCTION SIGNS are used to relay general instructions and suggestions as they relate to safety measures. Safety instruction signs must include a green panel with white letters and a white background. All letters printed on the white background must be black.

Safety Alert Symbol

The universal SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL is a yellow triangle, outlined in black, containing an exclamation point. This symbol is only used on caution, warning, and danger signs, labels, or tags.

CustomSigns.com is your resource for ready made or design your own workplace safety signs. Our Customer Focus Team is here to answer your questions and help you determine proper signage needs for your organization.

For more information about workplace safety, please see our related blog posts:
The Importance of Understanding OSHA and Displaying Proper Signage for Workplace Safety
The Importance of OSHA Signs for Construction Sites
OSHA’s National Youth Safety Initiative

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September 18, 2018June 18, 2020

The Importance of OSHA Signs for Construction Sites

You have likely heard the title many times in the workplace, but what exactly is OSHA? The Occupational Heath and Safety Administration is an oversight organization created to hold employers responsible for providing a safe and healthful workplace for employees and visitors at all times.

According to the United States Department of Labor, workers’ rights include:

Working in a place where conditions are safe and do not pose risk of serious harm
Workers shall receive training (in an appropriate language that he/she will understand) regarding potential workplace hazards , ways to prevent these, and all OSHA standards that apply to his or her workplace
A review of work-related injuries and illnesses at their place of empolyment
All workers have the right to anonymously file a complaint asking OSHA to inspect the workplace if there is a potential hazard or the company is not complying with OSHA rules and regulations
These rights are protected under law to be exercised without fear of retaliation; if retaliation does occur, this should be immediately reported via a formal OSHA complaint no later than 30 days after the event

For more information, please visit OSHA or call 800.321.OSHA (6742), TYY 877.889.5627.

OSHA Regulated Construction Area Signs

Working in a construction area, is, by nature, a very dangerous job. If proper safety precautions are not taken, unnecessary and often serious injuries, including death, can occur. This is why proper OSHA signage is critical – and required – at every construction zone.

It is the employer’s responsibility to understand the risks associated with their industry, work areas, and equipment. Signs should never be used as generic warnings.

OSHA Safety Signage Applicable to Nearly All Construction Sites

DANGER – Posted in an area where hazards are likely to result in serious injury or death. Signs should be used ONLY in extremely dangerous areas, for example where high voltage is present, creating an electrical hazard. Danger signs are preceded by the safety alert triangle and feature bold white “DANGER” lettering surrounded by a red background.

WARNING – Posted in an area where serious injury or death may occur, yet overall risk does not require the danger sign. Examples include: heavy debris, high voltage, or blasting areas. Warning signs feature the safety alert triangle followed by the word “WARNING” printed in black with an orange background.

CAUTION – Posted where a minor or moderate physical injury could be caused. Examples include: contact with harmful equipment, substances, slips or falls, among others. Caution signs are symbolized by the safety alert triangle followed by the word “CAUTION” printed in black with a yellow background.

NOTICE – Posted in low risk areas where they serve as safety reminders. Examples include: informational signs about wearing hard hats, machinery, employees only in a specific area, or equipment. These signs often outline proper procedures, maintenance information and instructions, rules, or directions that do not relate specifically to personal injury.

GENERAL SAFETY SIGNS – Posted in low-risk areas as reminders for general safety. For example: signs relating to medical equipment, overall health, first aid, sanitation, housekeeping, and general safety measures.

ADMITTANCE – Posted in areas where restriction is limited to specific groups of people or individuals. These signs may specify the dangers of entering a restricted area.

FIRE SAFETY – Posted wherever fire exits are located and specify locations of emergency firefighting equipment.

NON-HAZARD SIGNS – While technically not safety signs, these signs are beneficial for sharing general safety information. For example: directional signs and procedures, via easy to read text and visual symbols.

Additional OSHA Guidelines

Once you have purchased the appropriate signs that comply with OSHA requirements, it is crucial that they are posted in the proper places. According to 29 CFR 1910.1 45(f)(4)(vi), signs must be placed “as close as safely possible” to the appropriate hazard.

It is also paramount that employees and anyone in the vicinity are able to clearly see and read the signs from a safe distance away. 29 CFR 1910.1 45(f)(4) specifies a distance of five feet away from the hazard.

See our other OSHA blogs for additional information on keeping your employees and visitors safe:

How to Increase Workplace Safety Over the Summer

Caution, Warning and Danger Signs Explained

OSHA’s National Youth Safety Initiative

November 13, 2014November 12, 2020

How To Protect Yourself From Holiday Heating And Light Hazards

It’s officially November and even those of us down in Florida are beginning to feel the chill of Old Man Winter moving back into town. While some have the ability to grow out their facial hair this month, many others do not and as a result, have to rely on other ways to keep warm throughout the chillier months of the year.

Every year around this time, millions of families and individuals start taking advantage of the cooler weather and use it as an excuse to light up their fireplaces. Lighting a fire to keep warm is one of the most natural of all of our human instincts, not to mention it is a great source of heat as well as light. But as a result of this, local fire departments all around the country keep busy for sure around this time of year!

So what are the biggest fire hazards to be careful of during the holiday season?

1. Fireplace

It goes without saying there are numerous dangers associated with a burning fireplace. On an annual basis, it is estimated that fireplaces cause roughly $126 million dollars in property damage. In order to keep your home safe, it is extremely important that your fireplace is inspected at least once a year. It is also important to note not to burn paper or trash in your fireplace and to always use a screen!

2. Candles

Nothing creates a more relaxing mood then dimming the lights and lighting a few candles. The holidays just wouldn’t feel exactly right without the combination of vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and all sorts of other fresh baked goods and kitchen spice scents filling the air! But baking can be a lot of work and sometimes it’s nicer to just be able to sit back, light a few candles and relax. Just make sure that when you light those candles, you keep them away from pets, children, and anything that might be flammable! Apparently, the burning of candles are “responsible annually for an average of 23,600 home fires, 165 deaths, 1,525 civilian injuries, and $300 million in property damage” according to this .pdf put out by the city of Medford. Simple solutions, such as being aware of the candle’s surroundings, the whereabouts of your pets, and remembering to blow the candle out prior to leaving the room can keep your home safe!

3. Space Heaters

For those of us without fireplaces to huddle around this holiday season, space heaters are considered the next best thing. And while one wouldn’t normally think they would be dangerous, anything if used improperly, can be considered dangerous. However, one would think that space heaters would be a safer way to generate heat than lighting up your fireplace. The truth is that space heaters cause almost 1 billion dollars in property damage! One of the biggest ways to fight against problems with your space heaters? Plug your heaters directly into the wall and avoid extension cords!

Ultimately the best advice for avoiding disaster this holiday season is to make sure not to leave burning or hot items unattended. This lone factor is responsible for countless fires! Do you know where your fire extinguisher is? Every home or apartment should have a fire extinguisher, just in case. Apartments all over the country make it a point to accurately label where to find the fire extinguisher in each dwelling unit with the help of signs.

Here at Customsigns.com, we have an assortment of these fire extinguisher signs to choose from. We’re proud to be able to do our part to help you protect your living space throughout the holiday season and beyond.

Does your apartment need some fire extinguisher signs? There’s no better time than now! Order your new fire extinguisher signs today and protect your property!

July 15, 2014April 2, 2019

Don’t Let Your Summer Go Up In Flames!

July has officially arrived and so has summer! And while we admit that our summer’s could be hotter, the heat here can be over powering at times. This past year in particular has been especially brutal. It feels like just yesterday we were wearing our winter coats and boots and now here we are in flip flops, shorts, and plenty of sunscreen.

But as any resident of any truly hot area could tell you, this is the time of year for wildfires. Some areas that are especially prone to fire hazards perform controlled burning to help minimize the risk to local dwellers but sometimes during the summer it just isn’t enough. Just the other day in Sacramento, California officials issued a fire warning to residents and advised them to avoid outdoor activities that could set off sparks.

Unfortunately for fourth of July fans, sometimes this particular type of weather can put a damper on both city and private plans for fireworks, as well as outdoor grilling and other seasonal outdoor activities.

But one thing in particular that often goes unnoticed, are those cigarettes that get lit time and time again during breaks at work on in back yards, or even front yards. It may seem like such a small thing but failing to properly put a cigarette could have disastrous consequences. According to the National Interagency Fire Center, 62,631 fires are caused by humans each year in the United States alone. With statistics like that, taking extra precautions in the summer time may just mean saving your house or place of business.

While whether you choose to smoke in or around your own home is entirely up to you, your particular place of business may decide to take added precautions by installing No Smoking Signs outside. Here at Custom Signs, we offer a wide variety of No Smoking sign designs and styles. Most of our signs are engraved on thick plastic to better ensure durability but we do offer printing options as well.

Free and fast two day shipping and with no hidden set up fees or minimums, you may not get it in time for the fourth of July but you’ll definitely be able to utilize your new signs for the rest of summer and help prevent fires at the same time!

Down here in Florida, we know what the hot summer months can do and look forward to doing our part to stay safe!

February 6, 2014April 2, 2019

Take Your Self Storage Business to New Heights!

Storage Units. Nothing fancy; nothing exotic but ultimately extremely important. In their containers protected by keypads, locks, and bolts are family photos, furniture, keepsake items, antiques, secrets, and whole lives told through objects and items amassed over a variety of circumstances. Just looking at a storage unit, you could never guess all the items and treasures locked away safe but there they are.

So besides being the closest storage facility to your potential customers, how do you get people to choose to lock away their possessions with you? You make it look nice of course! Everyone knows that first impressions are key to any sort of relationship no matter if it’s business or personal.

It’s unsurprising that so many horror stories and crime shows feature scenes at storage facilities because they look seedy and are oftentimes worn by the elements. Owners have rows and rows of available units without a clearly marked organization system. Many opt to designate rows and unit numbers with spray paint and stencil- what could look tackier? A storage facility should never look seedy, unsafe, or tacky- that’s the complete opposite of what you want your potential customers to think!

Instead, opt for actual engraved signs. Durable when exposed to the elements and far more attractive than spray paint. Engraved signs are also easy to clean and maintain

Speaking of safety, it only stands to reason why that would be another of your prospective customer’s chief concerns. With so many person items in storage, people will be more inclined to sell somewhere that takes every possible safety measure to ensure the protection of their valuables. Besides basic theft, another potential problem that plagues storage units is fires. For your customers to know that you take active steps to lower the risk of fires breaking out in your units, will speak volumes when they decide who to store their valuables with.

Constructing your units with non flammable materials and having a fire extinguisher in every unit would help put customers at ease! According to the Seattle Fire Department Client Assistance Memo 5961, “Retail stores, storage facilities, and parking garages must have a Class 2A fire extinguisher for every 3,000 square feet. There must be at least one extinguisher on every floor. Fire extinguishers must be placed so that people do not have to travel more than 75 feet to reach one.” While obviously this law is strictly for Seattle and may vary state to state, you should double check with your local legislation and make sure that your facilities are fully up to code, and don’t forget your fire extinguisher sign!

With these helpful tips, you can continue bringing in new customers and keep them coming back for all of their storage needs!