The theft of construction signage is a common occurrence across the country, according to the Federal Trade Commission.
But when the signs are placed in front of the home, it’s often the homeowner who suffers.
In one survey, 51% of homeowners reported they had lost or damaged construction signage at home, with many more of those who reported damage to their vehicles and/or cars.
Here’s what to look for when looking for signs of construction damage.1.
Signs that say ‘Sign Here’ or ‘Construction is Complete’2.
Signs with a white ‘T’ and ‘Construction Is Complete’ on one side of the sign3.
Signs are painted on the inside of the signs4.
Signs show signs of an overgrown sidewalk, which is illegal to put signs on5.
Signs have ‘B’ and/ or ‘H’ at the end of the street, indicating a left turn lane, or an alleyway6.
Signs use flashing lights to indicate a right turn lane or a sidewalk7.
Signs don’t have ‘T’, ‘S’ or the letters ‘W’ or a ‘T’.
These letters are a common indication of a pedestrian crossing the street.8.
Signs indicate that a ‘Degree of Difficulty’ sign is on or off, and there are flashing lights9.
Signs aren’t in good repair, which can include holes in the roof or the top of the pole10.
Signs will be damaged by the wind, rain or snow11.
Signs may be missing paint or some other damage12.
Signs or panels may have signs that aren’t visible13.
Signs and panels are not in good condition14.
Signs can be broken or torn, and signs are often missing parts15.
Signs need attention when they are in use, which means it’s important to look to see if the signs have been repaired.16.
Signs cannot be placed on the sidewalk or in an alley without an official sign.17.
Signs must be in good shape or the person who has them is responsible for repairs18.
Signs on the front of a home or office should be removed to make room for other building materials19.
Signs should not be placed in areas where people are not allowed to be20.
Signs shouldn’t be placed at intersections, except in emergency situations21.
Signs at public roads are not required, but you may want to check them out to make sure they’re working correctly.22.
The Federal Trade Corp. recommends that you look for signs that are at least 2 feet (60 centimeters) tall and 2 feet wide23.
Signs made of glass are illegal and should not go on the sidewalks, so you may not see them at work or school24.
You can still use your own signs to protect your property, but it’s best to have a contractor do it for you.25.
The FRC also recommends you check out the following resources:1.
National Traffic Safety Administration (NTSA) Traffic Safety Tips: Traffic Signs, Signs and the Environment.
NTSA’s Road Signs FAQ.
2.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administrations Road Signs Frequently Feared: Signs, Stickers, &c.
3.
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) National Highway Signs FAQ: Road Signs.
4.
U.S. Department of Transportation: Safety Tips for Motor Vehicles.
5.
U and W Highway Construction: Signs and Plaques.
6.
U, W and R Street Construction: Signage and Plaque Safety.
7.
U-Haul: Road Construction Safety.
8.
NHTSA Road Signs and Stickers: Road Safety.
9.
NIST Road Signs: Sticker and Plume Safety.
10.
NIMS-STD-M: Road Sign Identification System FAQ.
11.
UHaul Safety Manual: Road and Street Sign Identification.
12.
U Haul: Safety Guidelines.
13.
NAAI Road Signs Safety Information Sheet: Road Traffic Sign Identification, Safety, and Identification of the Signs, and Vehicle Sign Installation.
14.
NACS: National Automobile Dealers Association Road Signs Information Sheet.
15.
NPS Road Signs – Part A: Road Installation Safety.
16.
NPA Highway Construction Safety Guidelines for Motor Vehicle Installers: Building Construction and Repair.
17.
NAPA-TCA: NAPPA-TCa: National Association of Building Contractors (NABC) Road Signs-Part A: Building Installation Safety, Building Construction, and Road Sign Installation Safety (available on the NABC website).
18.
NCAAs Road Signs Technical Safety and Information Handbook.
19.
NIAAA Road Signs Training and Technical Assistance Guide: Building and Road Signs, Installation, and Repair Safety.
20.
UHH-AA: UHHAA: American Home Building Association (AABA) Road Sign Safety Information Handbook: Building Signs and Safety.
21.
NCHP: NCHC: National Highway Highway Safety Coordinating Committee (NHSC) Road