LFP - Large-Format-Printing

Safety Signage for Schools

Wednesday 21. August 2013 - When parents send their kids off to school each day, they put the safety of their little ones into someone else's hands. School safety is an issue that weighs heavily on everyone's minds, from the parents and teachers to school administrators and principals.

Beyond ensuring that schools are crime-free, secure and highly effective places of learning, schools also have an enormous responsibility to implement a safety signage program that keeps students, staff and parents on high alert. Read on for helpful tips on the best way to maintain a comprehensive school signage program— everything from school zone and crosswalk signs to hazardous material and simple wayfinding signage.
Directional Signage and Event Banners
Visitor procedures have tightened up considerably in recent months due to the high incidents of school violence. Usually a school has one main, secure entrance where visitors are funneled to throughout the day. Make sure visitors can easily find this entrance as soon as they park. Once inside, use simple and clearly marked directional signage to guide people to a check-in destination, such as the front office.
The first day of school can make parents and children anxious if they have trouble finding their classrooms. One idea to help orient everyone for the new school year is to draw up a floor plan and include it in back-to-school packets. Classrooms should be clearly marked according to Kindergarten, First Grade, etc. with the teacher(s) names listed.
Your school should have an evacuation plan in the event of an emergency such as a natural disaster, fire, or tornado. Map out a safety route and develop signage that easily directs students to a local area or a safety shelter. Fire drills are necessary so that students and staff know what to do in an emergency situation. One way to heighten awareness about an upcoming drill is with an eye-catching banner. Banners are also a great way to advertise social activities such as back to school parties, sock hops, and athletic events. Resist the urge to create a handmade banner, as they break down easily. A professionally designed banner can contain beautiful imagery and will stand up over time, so you can re-use them year after year.
School Zones and Crosswalks
Back-to-school season is a busy time as more cars hit the roadways and more children become pedestrians in crosswalks. A Safe Kids USA study showed that one in six drivers in school zones is driving distracted. A record 25,000 children sustain injuries every year due to school zone accidents. Since kids aren’t as aware about traffic laws and safe practices, it’s even more important to protect them in crosswalks. Consider flashing illuminated safety signs at marked school crossings to ensure drivers consistently yield to pedestrians. In terms of playground safety, signage should list the rules and hours of operation, including after hours and weekend procedures.
Hazardous Materials
When we think of schools we don’t normally associate them with hazardous materials, but chemicals and other toxic materials can be found in art classes, art rooms, nurses’ offices, janitor closets and maintenance rooms. Posting proper signage with guidelines for safe handling, waste removal and exposure to chemicals and cleaning supplies is essential to everyone’s safety.
Back-to-school is right around the corner. Give your school the green light on a safety signage program that will help keep every student out of harm’s way.