Bollards are a familiar site in both urban and suburban environments. These short, sturdy posts are common in parking lots and parks, along streets and sidewalks, near office buildings and storefronts, and even inside warehouses and other industrial buildings.
Bollards come in multiple styles and sizes, and are often built to blend into their surroundings. But from a functional standpoint they serve a common purpose: securing and protecting buildings and people by restricting motor vehicle access in specific areas.
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.
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.
College and university campuses are bustling environments filled with students, faculty and visitors on the move. Travel safety on campus is always a top concern for school administrators, and with the number of end-of-semester activities, athletic events and graduations taking place this time of year, it is especially important for pedestrians, bicyclists and drivers to do their part to help reduce risks.
For many of us, getting behind the wheel of a car is arguably the riskiest thing we do each day. And while the media is focused on the dangers of distracted driving, the truth is there are numerous factors that can increase or decrease the likelihood of getting into an accident.
More Accidents Happen After Dark
When it comes to driver safety, the time of day plays an important role. A National Highway Traffic Safety Administration study found that most accidents occur between 6 and 9 p.m. This is due in part to hazards that are compounded at night. According to statistics, instances of drunk driving and speeding increase significantly after dark, and fatigue, inclement weather, and diminished vision also can make it more dangerous to be on the road at night.
When a hurricane or tornado has passed, recovery and cleanup operations must begin; and they must begin quickly. Just because the inclement weather has cleared out of the area, the need for safety has not gone away.
Residents that evacuated want to return to see what damage has occurred to their personal property. This is understandable. However, debris is strewn everywhere. Accidents are likely to occur in this scenario.
During the construction process, traffic patterns will be disrupted. This is due to a combination of temporary routes and detours. Traffic safety products are required to meet the requirements identified in Traffic Control Plans.
To help identify the different zones of a road construction site, barricades are used. There are many different barricades products. Below we cover popular alternative barricades used at a road construction site to manage detours and modified traffic patterns.