Honor Those Who Served This Memorial Day and Every Day of the Year

What is Memorial Day?

Observed during the last Monday in May, Memorial Day is the day our country comes together to commemorate our brave service men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for the extraordinary freedom our nation has enjoyed for generations. Introduced as Decoration Day in May 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, to lay flowers on (or decorate) the graves of fallen service members, Memorial Day became a federal holiday with the congressional passage of the National Holiday Act of 1971.

Ways to Celebrate Memorial Day

Honor Memorial Day and the memory of our family members, loved ones, friends, neighbors, and everyone who has served our country with a few thoughtful ways we’ve gathered to commemorate this special holiday.

Wear a Memorial Day Pin, Button, or Red Poppy Flower

Proudly wearing a symbol of our country’s military, including a button or pin of the American flag, is a vibrant, eye-catching way to show everyone your patriotic spirit. Choosing to wear a red poppy is a time honored Memorial Day tradition that began during the time of World War I after a poem written by physician and Lt. Col. John McCrae, In Flanders Fields, that describes the fields of brightly colored red poppies he observed while treating the wounded on battlefields during the war. These brightly colored flowers are now known as a national symbol of military sacrifice throughout many countries around the world.

Volunteer Your Time to Veterans, Widows, and Others Affected by Our Fight for Freedom

Perhaps you live near a VA hospital or clinic, an assisted living center, or even in the same neighborhood that a veteran calls home. Spend part of your Memorial Day weekend – and other days throughout the year – bringing joy and the camaraderie of a friendly conversation to veterans, their widows, children, or other loved ones by stopping by for a visit. Whether you bring along a sweet treat, a little token of gratitude, or simply offer your time, they’re sure to feel cared for, remembered, and appreciated.

Honor Our Patriots with a Memorial Plaque

From park benches to tree lined walkways, gardens, bike trails, or even city centers, a professionally engraved brass plaque is a simple, timeless way to memorialize those who selflessly served our country. Go classic by engraving names and dates, or get a bit creative and include a special quote or favorite saying of the person who’s memory you re honoring, even a favorite hobby or an engraved image. Anything that will show others something special about your loved one is a wonderful way to honor his or her memory and military service.

Fly the American Flag Proudly and Properly on Memorial Day

To properly display the American flag on Memorial Day, swiftly raise the flag to the top of the flag pole, and then solemnly lower it to half-staff until noon. This is done to honor and remember our fallen service men and women who gave their lives serving our country. At noon, raise the flag back to the top to symbolize that we continue the fight for liberty, freedom, and justice for our fellow Americans.

Our Original Star Spangled Banner Still Flying Proudly

If you’ve ever been to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C., then you’ve had the awe-inspiring experience of viewing the original Star Spangled Banner, the flag that inspired Frances Scott Key to pen our national anthem. Raised over Fort McHenry on September 14, 1814, to show America’s victory over the British in the Battle of Baltimore, this flag is among the Smithsonian’s most treasured artifacts. After years of painstaking preservation efforts, America’s original Star Spangled Banner is proudly displayed in a permanent exhibition gallery where millions of people continue to enjoy her incredible splendor!

May 8, 2019May 8, 2019

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

April 18, 2019April 19, 2019

Promote Conservation in Your Office with Our Ecofriendly Tips and Tools

Earth Day is on its way! This is the perfect time for organizations around the world to join the green movement and adopt ecofriendly habits that will go a long way toward protecting our planet. Here, we share our favorite ways to help your company ‘go green’ and inspire employees and guests alike to make every day Earth Day.

Use Electricity Wisely

While turning off the lights may seem obvious, conservation reminders are especially helpful in the office where light switches often are overlooked. Consider installing motion activated light sensors; they’re a great way to keep the lights out until a room is in use. Additionally, compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) and LED bulbs use up to 75 percent less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and can last nearly three times as long. And LED bulbs are nontoxic and recyclable.

Let the sunshine in! Take advantage of natural light by keeping those shades up and the lights turned down. Since 25 percent of the electricity we use illuminates offices across the country, natural light is an ecofriendly and budget conscious choice.

Reduce | Reuse | Recycle

Make recycling easy by placing the proper recycle bins throughout your buildings. While most people are happy to recycle, they’re not always sure where to properly place their recyclables. Clearly labeling recycle bins will make recycling easy for everyone. Recycle signs and decals often include paper, plastic, glass, aluminum, compost, landfill, and even ink cartridges.

Promote Ecofriendly Transportation

Encourage employees to park their vehicles at home and give public transportation a try. ‘Transportation Tuesdays’ are a terrific opportunity for taking a bus, train, subway, ride share, or even a bicycle to work. Set up a bike rack and offer incentives for taking ecofriendly modes of transportation to and from the office. Offering a catered lunch or raffling off a floating holiday to participants are fun ways to show your appreciation!

Go (Almost!) Paperless

Reducing the amount of waste that goes into our landfills – and reducing our carbon footprint – will go a long way toward protecting the earth’s valuable, yet limited, resources. With the digital age and the benefits of cloud storage, going paperless or significantly reducing our paper usage has never been easier. When paper is a must, selecting paper made from recycled materials is a wise choice.

Create an Ecofriendly Kitchen and Break Space

Reducing or eliminating single use paper and plastic in your lunchroom is ecofriendly and good for your budget. Investing in reusable plates, drinking cups, and silverware will keep tons of unnecessary waste out of landfills each year. If your breakroom doesn’t allow for easy dish washing, purchasing biodegradable plates and cups will lessen your environmental impact.

Practice Green Procurement

Sourcing and purchasing ecofriendly office products is the perfect way to move your office toward sustainably produced goods that are made with protecting our planet at the forefront. Recycled paper products, refillable ink cartridges, ecofriendly pens and highlighters, non-toxic cleaning products, and compostable trash bags are just a few terrific options. If budget is a concern, choose just one or two items to swap each month and your transition will be complete in no time.

Even the smallest changes we make together will create a valuable impact on caring for our precious resources and the planet we share. Here’s to a happy Earth Day every day of the year!

March 29, 2019

Water Conservation for Businesses

Earth Over North & South America — Over 97% of Earth’s water is salt water

Of all the water on the planet, roughly 97 percent of it is unusable, or difficult to desalinate salt water. This leaves us with about 3 percent of the total as fresh water, more than 98 percent of which is inaccessible due to being located in ice caps, glaciers, and deep groundwater.¹ We are left with a little over 1 percent of fresh water that is usable coming from lakes, rivers, and ground ice. As such, fresh water is considered a limited resource simply because, by comparison, there is so little of it, and when consumption outpaces the natural water cycle, the usable amount decreases, affecting the environment and local populace.

So, what is water conservation?

Water conservation is the process of reducing the amount of excess water used for daily activities domestically, commercially, and industrially through the planning and execution of management practices.

Why is it important?

Maintaining a steady, available supply of usable water affects many aspects of daily activities. Restrooms, laundry facilities, kitchens, and other modern amenities rely on water to function. The wanton and excessive use of water damages the environment. Contaminated water can re-enter the ecosystem and the overuse of a water supply can dry out an entire region.

White & Yellow Sign with Black Lettering that Reads "SEVERE DROUGHT, Please Conserve Water" — Raise drought awareness

Making a plan for conserving water and reducing use can help prevent long-lasting repercussions. The importance of lessening water use in the United States can be inferred from concerns of state water managers who expect water shortages in 40 states by 2023, according to a 2014 Government Accountability Office study.² Simply and economically speaking, reducing excessive water use means less money that your business has to pay for water. It just also happens to help the environment.

Water Use in Businesses

Publicly supplied water is “water delivered to users for domestic, commercial, and industrial purposes”³ and makes up approximately 12 percent of fresh water usage in the United States.⁴ According to the EPA, commercial and industrial businesses account for 17 percent of the use of public water supplies. This includes usage in laundry and cleaning facilities, maintenance of medical equipment, kitchen and restroom use, landscaping, and others. Roughly 40 percent of a company’s water use comes from bathrooms and laundry facilities.⁵ Water use in these sectors is often required, so taking steps towards reducing this utilization would help in decreasing environmental and economical impact.

Steps to Lessen Water Usage

There are a myriad of ways to reduce our water consumption at home, such as:

Turning off the faucet while brushing your teeth
Reminder to save water
Only washing full loads of laundry
Updating bathroom fixtures, laundry, and kitchen fixtures

Similarly, implementing a conservative water usage policy within your business can help reduce your company’s footprint.

Help control water usage by:

Monitoring and metering your business’s water usage
Updating cooling and restroom fixtures
Educating and rewarding employees for adhering to a strict water usage plan

Custom Signs offers a wide selection of conservation signage to remind your employees to strive towards lessening your business’ water consumption. Our brass and plastic signs come either engraved or in full color and can be customized to meet your company’s needs. Take the first steps of your company’s journey towards preserving our water supplies by informing your employees with a custom conservation sign from CustomSigns.com.

References

March 22, 2019

Get Creative with Vinyl Banners

Vinyl banners are an exceptional marketing tool – they’re affordable, eye-catching, portable, and reusable. And best of all, they’re completely custom and are ideal for promoting everything from farmers markets to political campaigns to the newest business to join your community, and everything in between. Let your creativity be your guide!

Vinyl Banners Are an Ideal Advertising Tool

Whether you’re promoting a one-time event or focusing on long-term marketing strategies, vinyl banners are an ideal medium for marketing your business (or event!) to the masses. Made of high quality vinyl, banners are cost-effective, lightweight, durable, easily portable, and reusable. Available in a variety of sizes, personalized text and custom designs, vinyl banners are a tried and true marketing tool that works.

We’ve compiled a list of our favorite innovative uses for vinyl banners that will get your creative juices flowing:

Bands, Stages, and Backdrops

Whether you’re promoting your up-and-coming indie band or you’re headed out on tour, vinyl banners are a terrific option for easily portable, eye-catching custom signs for outdoor venues, stages, and even as custom backdrops for wherever you’re playing your next gig.

Artists and Arts Festivals

The perfect ‘canvas’ for promoting artists and local arts festivals, vinyl banners are the perfect artistic avenue for drawing attention to arts, crafts, and other one-of-a-kind handmade goods made by talented artisans from near and far.

Farmer’s Markets

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, there are more than 8,000 farmer’s markets across the US offering a variety of organically grown produce, select meats, fresh seafood, artisan cheeses, local honey, and more. A brightly colored backdrop to showcase your local farmer’s market, a design-your-own vinyl banner is a vibrant venue for advertising the best your community has to offer!

Small Businesses

Whether you’re a brand new corner café or coffee shop or a local hardware store that’s been in the community for generations, vinyl banners are a professional, polished way to advertise to everyone passing by, inviting them to stop in and see what’s new!

Sporting Teams and Local Sponsors

From colleges to high schools and even grade schools, sports teams are everywhere! Whether you’re supporting your local football, baseball, basketball, volleyball, or other school sports team, custom vinyl banners are a popular and effective way to secure sponsorships while economically advertising local goods, services, and small businesses. A win-win for everyone!

Local Running Events

What better way to promote your local running event – from 5k’s to marathons and everything in between – than with custom banners? Flying high above the crowds, banners will easily show runners where to find registration, pick up running packets, and, most importantly, cross those start and finish lines with ease!

Political Campaigns

Name recognition is the name of the game! Political campaigns work tirelessly to make their candidates known and this grassroots method of promoting a nominee to the masses is an economical way to get the word out. Designing eye-catching, reusable political banners will rally voters to the booths every Election Day.

Holiday Events

Bring on the holiday cheer! Give your storefront a merry makeover or promote your local holiday celebrations with a richly colored, festively designed vinyl banner or two. Whether you’re promoting seasonal sales or your community’s annual winter wonderland extravaganza, your ho-ho-holidays are sure to be filled with merriment.

Whether you’re designing a banner for your local festival, a community extravaganza, or your small business to use all year long, Customsigns.com makes it easy and fun to create vibrantly colored, high quality banners that are made to last. Start from scratch or choose one of our templates. With our custom design tool, your perfect banners are just a few clicks away. Our Customer Focus Team is here to answer any questions you may have. Simply email us or call (877) 251-9444.

March 8, 2019

California’s Proposition 65: What You Need to Know

What Is Proposition 65?

The Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, often referred to as Proposition 65, was adopted by the State of California in response to increasing public concerns about human exposure to toxic chemicals. This legislation requires California to publish a list of chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. Updated annually, this list has grown to include more than 800 chemicals.

Proposition 65 mandates that all manufacturers and businesses that make or sell products in California warn consumers about significant levels of harmful chemicals found in the products they purchase, in homes or workplaces, or that are released into the environment. Equipped with this information, Californians are equipped to make well informed, educated decisions about lessening, or eliminating, toxic chemical exposure.

What Chemicals Are Included on the Proposition 65 List?

Updated annually, Proposition 65 includes a comprehensive list of naturally occurring or synthetic chemicals that are found to be carcinogens or are known to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm.

Are Proposition 65 Products Safe?

While a Proposition 65 warning highlights specific chemicals that expose consumers to cancer causing or reproductive toxins that exceed defined threshold levels, it is not a regulatory decision that determines whether a product is safe or unsafe for use or consumption. This decision is left solely for the consumer to weigh the risks and rewards of exposure to a given chemical.

What Are Proposition 65 Safe Harbor Levels?

Proposition 65 safe harbor levels are chemical exposure thresholds whereas a business does not need to provide a warning or discharge prohibition because exposure falls below specific levels. For chemicals, safe harbor levels must pose “no significant risk levels” as related to causing cancer. For those chemicals known to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm, safe harbor levels must measure at or below “maximum allowable dose levels”. If no safe harbor level exists for a chemical, a Proposition 65 warning is required.

Is Proposition 65 Effective in Reducing Chemical Exposure?

Proposition 65 has been successful in providing useful exposure information to Californians that may not have been otherwise controlled through state or federal laws. Proposition 65 also has raised public awareness of the negative effects from exposure to specific chemicals. Manufacturers have taken note and have removed many of the listed chemicals from their products. In addition, California has experienced a considerable reduction of chemical air emissions since Proposition 65 became law.

Proposition 65 and Customsigns.com

At Customsigns.com, we are committed to researching the products we purchase from our manufacturers and vendors in order to eliminate, or lessen, exposure to the chemicals listed by Proposition 65. All products being shipped to California that contain these chemicals include a warning displayed during checkout.

For additional information about Proposition 65, please visit California’s Proposition 65 website.

February 22, 2019

Design Trade Show Banners That Work for You

Whether you’re attending a trade show, convention, expo, or conference, you want your business to stand out among the often hundreds of other participants filling the expo hall, all competing for the attention of conference guests. One effective way of marketing to the masses and grabbing the attention of passersby is with well-designed trade show banners that will help you stand out among a crowded sea of exhibits.

Key Tips for Designing Effective Banners

No matter what you’re advertising, keeping a few basics in mind will help you design a banner that represents your message well.

Less is more. Expos are typically information overload, so presenting your materials in the simplest format that attendees can view with just a passing glance will help your company to be more easily remembered.

Choose a simple, clean-lined font in a size easily seen from a distance. Place your company’s name at the top of your banner so that guests can immediately see who you are. An engaging headline also can give someone pause to take the time to learn a bit more about your company.

Vibrant graphics with high-resolution imagery present a professional, polished look.

Always include your company’s logo. An obvious choice, including your logo will reinforce brand awareness and is easily recognizable from a distance.

Feature only a few key products or services. Especially for those who are not familiar with your company, these highlights may inspire interest, conversation, and perhaps a new customer.

Share your contact information! Often, attendees quickly snap pictures of banners as they pass by if they’re unable to stop and chat. Providing key contact information including company website, phone number, email, or social media information will make it easy and convenient for them to reach you in a variety of ways.

Banner Types and Specifications

X-FRAME MINI POP-UP BANNER STANDS are ideal for tabletops, desktops, and counters at trade shows, as lobby displays, at local fundraisers, community events, conventions, or any mobile marketing exhibit.

Collapsible for easy portability
Measures approximately 1 ½’ x 1’
Easily interchangeable vinyl banner
Freestanding lightweight aluminum tripod frame
Flexible arms keep banner from becoming wrinkled or wavy
Includes grommets in each corner for fast, simple assembly

X-FRAME FULL SIZE BANNERS are an eye-catching, economical way to instantly advertise just about anywhere. Choosing vibrant, colorful images and a thoughtful design will help you stand out from the competition.

Collapsible for easy portability
Measures approximately 6’ x 2 ½’
Easily interchangeable vinyl banner
Freestanding lightweight aluminum tripod frame
Flexible arms keep banner from becoming wrinkled or wavy
Includes grommets in each corner for fast, simple assembly

RETRACTABLE FULL SIZE BANNERS are an ideal option for securely storing your banner in a retractable base for easy set up and take down. Designed with extra stability in mind, these banners are built to stand the test of time.

Measures approximately 7’ x 3’
Retractable for easy portability and quick set up
Support bars keep banner from becoming wrinkled or wavy
Freestanding retractable banner with fold out feet for stability

RETRACTABLE DELUXE FULL SIZE BANNERS are perfect for professionally displaying your company’s logo, products or services, contact information, or whatever you want to communicate to others.

Measures approximately 7’ x 3’
Retractable for easy portability and quick set up
Support bars keep banner from becoming wrinkled or wavy
Freestanding retractable banner with wide, weighted base for exceptional stability

At Customsigns.com, we’ve got a variety of economically priced display banners that will add value to your exhibits for many years to come. Made from the highest quality workmanship, our banners are custom made for you. Not sure which banners are best for your needs? Our Customer Focus Team is here to help you every step of the way.

February 8, 2019

Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle Those Plastic Yard Signs

Whether yours is a red state or a blue state, help turn your state green by responsibly recycling the thousands of corrugated plastic election signs that sprout up everywhere each campaign season. No matter who wins at the polls, we all win by recycling!

The Perils of Plastic

Tons of plastic and metal crowd our landfills each year, where they remain for thousands of years before breaking down. Additionally, landfills are limited to specific sizes, so once they’re full, new landfills must be created.

Because they are entirely recyclable, those corrugated yard signs most commonly seen covering yards and street corners during election season are one less thing we can send to landfills by using a bit of ingenuity.

Recycle Those Yard Signs

Many local curbside recycling programs do not accept campaign yard signs or their metal stakes and frames; fortunately, they are completely recyclable elsewhere. Specially designated recycling drop off centers are designed to wash, shred, and melt these plastic boards (or convert them to plastic pellets), which are transformed into useful items including trash cans, beach chairs, toys, or other things made of heavy plastic. The metal stakes and frames can be taken to locations that accept metal, including local businesses that often pay for scrap metal to be used in future projects.

Creative Ways to Transform Election Signs

Repurposing those post-election season yard signs is an inexpensive, useful way to keep them from loading up landfills while enjoying a bit of creative fun during the process. These are some of our favorite ideas:

Keep those yard sale signs off utility poles and market your message to the masses. Spray paint the signs and stencil away. Include your address, the day and time of your sale, and even a few of the items bargain hunters may find!

Get creative! Spray paint those yard signs for celebrating lots of wonderful events, including baby’s arrival, birthday parties, graduations, open houses, lemonade stands, and more.

Wintertime fun! Larger corrugated yard signs are perfect for sledding down snow covered hills and are lightweight and easy to carry back up the hillside for even the smallest sledding snow bunnies.

Season’s greetings! The metal stakes, also known as H-stakes, used to hold yard signs, are perfect for anchoring holiday yard décor and keeping your favorite decorations from being blown over (or away!) by those blustery winter winds.

Mark those milestones! Prime your yard sign with bonding primer, grab some chalkboard paint, and create your own custom chalkboard. Perfect for marking first days of school or practicing those math facts or handwriting skills over and over again.

H-stakes also make sturdy props for supporting your growing vegetable, plant, and flower gardens.

Corrugated yard signs make terrific yard helpers as makeshift dustpans for sweeping up leaves and other debris.

Corrugated yard signs are lightweight, sturdy, and easy to cut. Measure the bottoms of your reusable shopping bags and add your custom inserts for a bit of extra (and waterproof!) stability. The boards slide into your folded bags for easy storage.

Yard signs make ideal surfaces (or ‘drop cloths’) for spray painting smaller projects – by protecting patios, driveways, and yards from misting paint.

Design your own vinyl decal to cover your corrugated signs, an economical way to transform your yard signs and share a brand new message!

Whether you have a few yard signs or enough to spread throughout the whole neighborhood, transforming them into new signs or garden helpers is a terrific way to reduce, reuse, and recycle! Let your imagination lead the way!

January 24, 2019

No Smoking, No Vaping Laws Expand Across US

There is no shortage of controversy surrounding no smoking and no vaping rules and regulations that have swept the country in recent years. As the negative health risks from smoking, vaping, and exposure to secondhand smoke continue to become more widely understood, the debate is more contentious than ever. Since California became the first to enact a statewide smoking ban in 1995, smoking and, more recently, vaping bans, have become increasingly common. The surge in smoke-free establishments began with bars and restaurants and has expanded to include hospitals, college campuses, public parks and sidewalks, workplaces, and even public housing units, among others.

Is Smoking in the Workplace Banned Nationwide?

While there are federal laws in place to protect people from secondhand smoke on federal property and on airplanes, smoking in other areas, including the workplace, is regulated by state and/or local laws. Smoking may be banned in the workplace entirely or restricted to designated smoking areas.

Do Employers Have to Provide Designated Smoking Areas?

An employer is not legally required to provide a smoking area for its employees; however, if it chooses to do so, it must also provide a smoke-free environment throughout the rest of the work space. Additionally, smoking and nonsmoking areas must be clearly designated with proper signage.

Do Workplace Safety Laws Prohibit Smoking in the Workplace?

While the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) does not regulate smoking, it is responsible for prioritizing workplace safety. Industries that handle explosive materials are required by OSHA to clearly post signs alerting everyone in a given area where smoking is strictly prohibited since doing so could cause fire, explosion, serious injury, or death.

Can My Employer Charge Me Higher Insurance Premiums if I Smoke?

Yes, an employer is legally allowed to charge an employee higher healthcare premiums for being a smoker. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), the statute responsible for preventing discrimination from many health conditions, allows employers and insurers to charge higher premiums to smokers and reduced premiums for those who do not smoke.

Can I Smoke in Public Areas?

As demand increases for cleaner air in public spaces, smoking bans have been passed for many public areas across the country, including sidewalks, bus stops, parks and other recreational areas, county fairs and farmers’ markets, and outdoor patios, just to name a few. The American Nonsmokers’ Rights Foundation provides comprehensive lists and maps of smoke-free areas across the US.

Is Vaping Included in No Smoking Laws?

Since the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has mandated that all electronic, or e-cigarettes, be regulated as tobacco products, there has been a steady increase in laws across the country banning vaping wherever traditional smoking is prohibited.

Can Public Housing, Apartment Buildings, and Other Rental Properties Prohibit Smoking?

In 2006, the Surgeon General’s Office announced that simply separating smokers and non-smokers in public places was not enough to mitigate the effects of secondhand smoke exposure. Specifically, “cleaning the air and ventilating buildings cannot eliminate exposure to secondhand smoke. The only way to do [this] is by banning indoor smoking altogether.” In November, 2016, then HUD Secretary Julian Castro announced that all public housing developments in the US will be required to provide a smoke-free living environment for all residents. This includes all indoor and outdoor areas of each property and smoking will be prohibited within 25 feet of the building or office. This ban officially went into effect on July 31, 2018.

A private rental property landlord can define no smoking rules in and around a rental property by clearly outlining the conditions in the lease agreement. Rules may include no smoking anywhere on the property or include designated smoking areas, such as a yard or pool area. Because smokers are not defined as a protected class under state or federal laws, a landlord is permitted to deny renting to someone who smokes.

At Customsigns.com, our line of no smoking and no vaping signs are ideal for posting throughout buildings or on properties to clearly inform employees and guests that smoking of any kind is prohibited. Our collection also includes a variety of no smoking stencils and design-your-own no smoking signs and vinyl decals. Our Customer Focus Team is here to help you decide which no smoking signs will best meet your needs.

For more information on no smoking laws and proper signage:

Please, No Smoking – Common Smoking Bans

January 18, 2019January 18, 2019

Caution, Warning and Danger Signs Explained

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.

Safety Headers | 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.

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.

Caution Signs

CAUTION signifies that a minor or moderate injury may occur. 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.

Warning Signs

WARNING signifies that serious injury or death MAY occur. ‘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

DANGER signifies that serious injury or death is VERY LIKELY to occur. 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.

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 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