A sign of the times: Visual reminders outside schools

Key Takeaways:

• Outdoor areas of a school that are available for public use should have appropriate signs to warn visitors of potential risks.
• Playground signs, such as those that specify an age group for particular pieces of equipment or specific playground areas, are especially important.
• Emergency responders can assist more easily if a school has appropriate signage outdoors, such as door numbers and gathering places.

Never underestimate the importance of a simple sign in keeping students, staff and visitors safe on school grounds. Not only do signs make a critical difference in many potential emergency situations, but they also show the school is providing proper warning to promote safety.

Signs are necessary in several different areas and outdoor situations.

On the playground

While children may not be able to or care to read warning signs, the adults supervising them can and should. These visual reminders can help them guide students on which pieces of equipment to use.

Some of the most important signs on a school playground include:

• Age appropriateness – Signs such as “Playground equipment is designed for ages 5-12” inform users that while certain equipment may be tempting for younger children, it’s not intended for them.
• Hazard prevention – “Remove Drawstrings/Necklaces” and “Check for Hot Surfaces” can play an important role in preventing playground injuries such as strangulation and burns.
• Playground rules – These signs, intended for both adults and children, can help children of all ages. “No Bullying,” for example, can help prevent children from being picked on.

For Emergency Access

In an emergency, every second counts, and emergency responders need critical information so they can help as quickly as possible. The most critical outdoor signs include:

• Painted numbers or letters on each of the emergency exit doors. This allows responders to gain access to the building where they are needed right away.
• The school’s address in multiple places. If someone is calling for emergency assistance, they should be able to easily find the school’s address — wherever they are. The address needs to be plainly found on the front of the school, walls surrounding the building, and the parking lot.
• Evacuation and assembly area signs. Schools should mark designated assembly areas and routes to leave the building.

Near Outdoor Exercise Equipment

Some schools, particularly high schools, have outdoor exercise equipment, such as nets and hurdles, that may be used by the public. Facilities should post the following signs to reduce liability:

• Safe and proper use – These signs clearly indicate how members of the public should use the equipment.
• Assumption of risk – Any individual who elects to use equipment owned by the school assumes responsibility for any accidents that may happen. It’s important to have signs that spell this out.
• Availability schedule and hours of operation – While certain pieces of equipment may be open to the public, schools certainly don’t want people on their grounds at all hours of the night. Signs can help set parameters for outside use.

On Trails

Schools that are fortunate enough to have picturesque outdoor walking paths should be mindful that these can also be a liability without proper signage. These could include:

• Warnings about disease-carrying insects or poisonous plants and animals – If people unfamiliar with the area are using trails, they may be unaware that certain insects, plants and animals could be dangerous. Signs indicating this possibility could help them avoid problems.
• Trail markers – All walking paths should be clearly marked to prevent members of the public from getting lost or wandering into restricted areas.
• Warnings about water or marshy areas – In some cases, visitors might unexpectedly find themselves in wet areas. Signs can keep them on the right path.

Signs are invaluable for a school’s outdoor risk management. Additionally, they lower liability should an incident occur involving a member of the public.

Click here for more risk management information regarding public use of school property.

Why Should You Post Signs Outside Schools?

Q: Why are signs important on school grounds?
A: They improve safety and provide clear warnings, especially in emergencies.

Q: What signs are needed on playgrounds?
A: Age guidelines, hazard warnings and rules like “No Bullying.”

Q: How do signs help during emergencies?
A: They guide responders with labeled exits, visible addresses and assembly areas.

Q: Where else are signs necessary outdoors?
A: Near exercise equipment and on trails to explain safe use and warn of hazards.