Most healthcare signs deal with making people safer or more comfortable. Whether that means reminding them to wash their hands, or showing them where the emergency exit is, or clearly delineating a men's and women's restroom, all of these signs are very important in creating the right atmosphere and keeping people as safe and secure as possible. Of course one of the most dangerous objects to introduce into any healthcare facility is a gun. Guns are strictly prohibited from hospital grounds, and for very good reason. However, not all people are aware of this, and some don't care. To combat this, and to keep other visitors vigilant and secure, it is very important to have plenty of clear and visible no gun signs in your healthcare facility.

No Gun Signs

One of the biggest challenges when it comes to keeping guns out of healthcare facilities is concealed weaponry. Not only can you not always see it, oftentimes people who carry them have a permit to do so. However, in a hospital, that right is revoked. That's why HSI makes very clear, easy to see and understand signs that make sure patrons know there are no guns allowed. We make signs that go even further, letting people know that concealed weapons, even with a permit, are not allowed. Some people are surprised or offended by this rule, but it is very important when it comes to keeping facilities safe and secure, and making all patrons and visitors feel comfortable.

There are two kinds of no gun signs, each of which should be present in any healthcare facility. The first kind very clearly spells out, in written words, that there are no guns allowed, of any kind in any place within hospital walls. These can also include a picture of a gun with a red circle and slash over it, making it clear what the message means. A popular and effective sign is one that reads "Concealed firearms are prohibited in this facility." This makes it very clear to all patrons that no gun of any kind, concealed or not, licensed or not, is allowed. That makes them feel safer, and it makes the owner of a gun aware of what they are not allowed to do.

The second type of no gun signs use only the picture. In large, bold signs, a gun is circled and slashed through with thick red lines. The meaning, again, is crystal clear; no guns allowed in this healthcare facility. The bolder, more aggressive picture signs are very effective as well, and they speak as clearly to English speakers as they do to non-English speakers. If a picture says a thousand words, then this sign is positioned to be a very effective deterrent and a way to make visitors feel safe.

HSI is committed to making healthcare signage that serves the administration, the patients, and the visitors. These no gun signs are just one more way we achieve that goal.

Guns are extremely dangerous in almost every situation. In general, people feel less at ease and on edge when guns are involved. Hospitals and health care facilities are meant to make you feel safe and cared for. It's hard to achieve this goal if people are carrying guns. Aside from making people feel better about staying in your hospital, firearms are outright dangerous. Hospitals are storage units for various flammable items, liquids, and gasses. The spark from a gunshot could ignite any number of these and ignite. Having no gun signs clearly posted throughout a hospital is a good way to deal with this problem. These signs generally depict a gun underneath a red circle with a bar through it. This sign for 'no' on top of a gun clearly indicates that guns are not permitted in the facility. It's important to have these signs placed in lots of locations throughout a hospital or health care facility. You can really never be too safe when it comes to gun safety. You never know what someone with a gun is going to do. For these and many other reasons, guns are not permitted in health care facilities or hospitals.

Why No Gun Signs in Hospitals?
There are few places in the world where you feel totally safe. Maybe your home and few other places serve as safe havens or places where you don't feel intruded upon, etc. Hospitals are not one of these places. Generally speaking, it's not very fun to be in a hospital. In fact, leaving the hospital is often times the best part of your week. For this reason, hospitals strive to make your stay more pleasant and easy. Happy and stress free patients heal more quickly than displeased patients and are easier to deal with all around. Guns do not make people feel better or safer in any situation. Unless you are the one carrying the gun, they tend to make people feel on edge and nervous. Hospitals do not allow guns on the premises for this reason. Also, hospitals contain countless kinds of flammable gasses and accelerants. These products could easily ignite or explode when in contact with the spark of a gun. These products compound the dangers of gun use and essentially turn a gun into a bomb. No gun signs should be posted in visible areas at all entrances to hospitals or health care facilities. You might also post no gun signs around any flammable substances as an extra precaution. Guns are absolutely dangerous and are often times used be people who don't know how to use them properly. There is no way to screen people when entering a hospital to ensure that they use firearms properly. Because you cannot screen or know these things, it is imperative that guns be prohibited in any health care facility.

Here is some more information about no gun signs.