If you're developing a new neighborhood or residential community, you might be wondering what precautions you can take to protect residents from mail theft. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), approximately 400,000 Americans have their mail stolen in any given year. For residents, mail theft isn't just frustrating; it poses a risk to their credit and reputation. After taking a resident's mail, a thief may steal his or her identity, using the resident's Social Security number and other personal information to open new credit cards. As a developer, though, there are a few ways you can discourage mail theft in a new neighborhood or residential community.
If you're planning to include wayfinding signage in your community, you may need to comply with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). Developed by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the MUTCD contains rules that property and community developers must follow when using signs and other traffic control instruments on roads and streets with a medium or high volume of traffic. If you community is located on any non-low-volume road or street, as specified here, you must comply with the MUTCD's requirements when using wayfinding signage.
Unbeknownst to most people, street and traffic signs are typically designed with specific colors depending on their purpose. In the United States, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) requires municipalities and developers to use signs in the correct color. While some property developers view this as a burden, it's essential to creating a safe, functional community. So, what do the different colors of street and road signs represent?
From parks and commercial shopping centers to neighborhoods and college campuses, wayfinding signage is found nearly everywhere. It's called "wayfinding" because it helps motorists and pedestrians find their way. When a motorist or pedestrian encounters wayfinding signage, he or she can use it to locate nearby points of interests. While all wayfinding signage serves this fundamental purpose, they are available in a variety of colors, sizes, shapes and styles. To learn more about wayfinding signage and why it matters, keep reading.
If you're developing a new residential community -- or if you're looking to update an existing community -- you might be wondering if it's acceptable to mount street name signs on the same poles or bases as traffic signs. Both street name signs and road signs are essential to residential communities. Street name signs guide motorists and pedestrians alike to their intended destination, whereas traffic signs provide control measures to reduce the risk of vehicle collisions. However, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has rules developers and municipalities must follow when using signage. So, can you mount street name signs on the same poles or bases as traffic signs?