Hurricanes are among nature's most powerful and destructive forces. On average, six hurricanes will form during each Atlantic hurricane season and two during the Pacific hurricane season. The season is in full swing in both regions through November 30, and in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence in the Carolinas we have seen the damage these storms can cause.

Every natural disaster is unique, and emergency responders have to quickly adapt to the ever-changing nature of a crisis. However, while speed is crucial during rescue and recover efforts, the need for safety is just as important as it is before and during a storm. Here are some of the basic essentials to have on hand so that emergency response teams, disaster recovery crews and volunteers can be ready to assist those in need and have access to the right equipment to help them stay safe.

Across the country, students, teachers and administrators have said goodbye to summer and headed back to the classroom. At Traffic Safety Direct, we are also in “back-to-school” mode, working to meet the needs of educational institutions from preschool through college. While we help schools stock the usual supplies like paint for athletic fields, parking signs, and snowplows and spreaders to keep the grounds clear, we have been busy creating plenty of custom signs and banners as well.

The trend towards being more environmentally friendly in terms of the products and services we use can be seen in the way towns, cities and local governments are using renewable energy to improve safety on our roads and highways. Solar energy is becoming a popular option to power everything from traffic lights to stop signs, providing better overall visibility and saving money – and the planet – in the process.  

The obvious advantage of using solar powered traffic signs is they do not use fossil fuel energy. Solar is less polluting than coal, oil or natural gas, making it a more environmentally friend source of energy. Solar powered signs wherever there is sunlight, and the power is harnessed and stored in each sign’s battery so it continues to work all year long.

Planning large-scale events can be quite a challenge. Organizers must manage an endless list of responsibilities and details to ensure that everything goes smoothly, from permitting, concessions and entertainment to recruiting volunteers, parking and attendee safety. The larger the event, the more important it is to ensure that crowd control measures are in place. The easier it is for pedestrians and vehicles to navigate in and out of the event, the less likely accidents are to occur.

Counties and municipalities are often responsible for ensuring public safety at the many parades, festivals and other activities that take place in their communities. When events impact driver and/or pedestrian traffic routes, maps should be created that clearly delineate street closures and detours, and local businesses and residents need to be notified of any street closures affecting them well in advance.

A wide variety of crowd control and traffic safety products are available to help ensure that events are safe and enjoyable for all involved. Traffic barricades can be used to define boundaries, restrict access to specific areas and make street closures obvious for visitors on foot and in vehicles, making them a vital part of any plan to keep event participants safe.

Signed into law in 1990, The Americans with Disabilities Act was a major stepping-stone in ensuring equal rights for all Americans with disabilities. All businesses and privately held facilities are obligated to follow ADA guidelines. The law requires commercial parking lots and pedestrian paths to be accessible to everyone. This includes providing the disabled with parking spaces that offer ample access for vehicles as well as other mobility aids such as wheelchairs and power chairs.

Thousands of pedestrians are killed in motor vehicle traffic accidents each year, and many thousands more are injured. Pedestrian safety remains a top priority, and cities and towns across the country and around the globe continue to investigate more effective ways to improve crosswalk safety.

In this video we go over some of the different kinds of products you can use for crosswalks including ADA Mats, crossing guard paddles, and also rebound able signs.

Summer is in full swing, bringing with it longer days, plenty of outdoor activities and more people hitting the roads and trails. With more than half of all Americans planning to take time off and over a third of families making vacation a priority, traffic, bicycle and pedestrian safety is more important ever. Although spring is typically the time of year for road and sign maintenance and repairs, reducing risk requires an ongoing effort to ensure that signage, pavement markings, barriers and other traffic safety equipment is in place and up to date

Easy-to-read road signs, highly visible pedestrian crosswalks, and well-marked bike lanes are visible proof of the value of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. Known simply as the MUTCD, this manual has served as the definitive guide for creating safer, more efficient travel on our country’s highways and byways for over 80 years.

In this video we go over the criteria that you need to know when ordering a stop sign such as the size and reflectivity that you need depending on the place you intend on putting the sign.