Plagued with an unseasonably cold spring and unpredictable storms, businesses in the Big Apple have faced significant safety challenges that call for renewed attention and focus on visitor safety. In addition to keeping sidewalks shoveled and floor mats cleaned, commercial property owners have begun investing in wet umbrella bag stands and dispensers to further reduce liquid accumulation in entryways.

Most Popular Umbrella Wrappers

The most popular item purchased this spring has been our double dispenser models. The dual chamber design of this unit makes room for twice the number of disposable umbrella bags as our original; One chamber holds long bags for full sized umbrellas while the second chamber holds short bags for smaller, foldable umbrellas. Businesses like this model for the customization it provides guests, as well as its ability to go twice as long without needing restocked with additional bags. The latter is a particularly good advantage when storms last throughout the day— or over the course of several days— as it ensures guests always have an easy and convenient way to store their wet umbrella.

Also popular are our single dispenser automatic umbrella wrappers. These beautiful units feature a single chamber of long umbrella bags, capable of wrapping both regular and folding umbrellas. These units are ideal for locations that experience a milder incidence of rain and inclement weather. They are also popular among bodegas, corner stores, and high end retail shops that receive fewer visitors on a daily basis.

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Keep your entryway clean, dry, and safe for guests with umbrella safety products on Umbrellabagger.com. Order online to receive complimentary shipping and a 100% Price Match Guarantee on all online orders. Shop our online store today!

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How to Prevent Slip and Fall Accidents

Anti-slip Floor Mats

There was a time when floor mats were thought to serve only as a protective layer for expensive flooring, like granite, tile, or hardwood. Today, that misconception is long gone. We live in a litigious society, and property owners learned long ago that commercial safety mats can go a long way in keeping entryways clean, dry, and safe.

For best results, property owners are to pair an outdoor mat with a second indoor mat to ensure maximum debris containment. Outside, a weatherproof “scraper mat” with tough ridges and grooves will dislodge big dirt and debris from shoes. Inside, a wider and longer carpet met will serve as a “wiper,” giving guests a large area to wipe dry while entering the building.

Slip and Fall Caution Signs

Some areas are more dangerous than others. For these areas, property owners might find it beneficial to proactively place caution signs by curbs, uneven floor transitions, abrupt drop-offs, and other disruptions in walking surface that might not be noticeable by first time guests.

By law, property owners are required to disclose information on known dangerous. Failure to do so might be construed as negligence, in which property owners could be liable for accidents that occur. Slip and fall caution signs help property owners avoid this common pitfall, helping to notify guests of known dangers and risks.

Exceptional Lighting

Guests are likely to slip, trip, or fall over 100% of the hazards they cannot see. Exceptional lighting is vital, especially at dusk. Exterior floodlights, entryway lights, and the overhead lighting throughout the facility are just 3 areas to be mindful.

Maintenance Personnel

Safety mats, caution signs, and exceptional lighting mean little if they are not properly maintained. Unlike the property owners and/or business management, maintenance personnel are on the frontlines where accidents are most likely to occur. They see debris accumulation, liquid spills, burned-out lights, and other serious hazards long before anyone else. Moreover, they have the tools and knowledge to fix the problem before it has the chance to cause someone serious harm.

Wet Umbrella Bag Stands

Aside form debris, liquid accumulation is one of the biggest causes of slip and fall accidents. Liquid accumulation is particularly hard to manage on rainy days. Rainstorms have a tendency to cause hazardous puddles and slippery conditions at entryways, even when floor mats, safety signs, lights, and vigilant maintenance personnel are present.

Wet umbrella bag stands give guests a place to store and secure their umbrella, significantly reducing the rainwater and mess they carry past the entryway. Wet umbrella bag stands are available in a variety of different sizes, finishes, and styles to complement most interior décor. When paired with mats and other safety products, umbrella bag stands are the final touch to an effective slip and fall prevention plan.

Sources:

(i) “Workplace Safety Index 2010.” Liberty Mutual Research Institute for Safety.

(ii) “New Techniques for Slip and Fall Management.” CNA. Download the PDF.

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Today, umbrella bag stands solve these problems simply by enabling the guest to wrap their wet umbrella upon entering the property. No mess. No hassle.

The next generation of umbrella bag stands is here, feature automatic wrapping mechanisms to more easily and efficiently bag guests’ umbrellas. Despite sharp aesthetics and a novel design, property owners often ask: Why choose an automatic wet umbrella wrapper over a traditional umbrella stand, can, or rack?

Why Choose an Automatic Umbrella Wrapper

So, why choose a model with bells and whistles? After all, guests can just as easily leave a wet umbrella at the entryway to dry on a simple stand, rack, or can. A close examination reveals at least 3 benefits to choosing an “auto wrapper” over a traditional umbrella stand:

1. High-end Style

First and most obvious is the benefit of high-end style that automatic wet umbrella wrappers add to entryways. Umbrella bags are encased within the unit, preserving interior decor while minimizing design disruption. The automatic wrapping feature is an exceptional touch that adds to the customer experience, showing guests that the establishment innovation, service, and safety as top priorities.

2. Protection from liability

Property owners might be liable for lost, stolen, or mislaid items. For this reason, enabling guests to neatly wrap and carry their umbrellas helps to alleviate the risk of becoming liable for an umbrella that is left behind, misplaced, or reported stolen.

3. Enhanced customer experience

High-end property owners understand that some guests demand a particular quality of experience when shopping or vacationing. Auto-wrappers preserve the highest quality of service by eliminating the nuisance created by wet umbrellas, without asking guests to leave them behind to dry.

Learn More About Automatic Wet Umbrella Wrappers

To learn more about automatic wet umbrella wrappers, call Umbrella Bagger at 1-855-328-8100.

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When selecting facility safety products, it is helpful to first understand the main causes of dirt, debris, and moisture accumulation. Shoes are perhaps the most well known contributors of facility debris, and the level of dirt and grime carried through the entry way worsens as precipitation increases. Wet umbrellas are another means by which rainwater gets carried into the facility, forming dangerous puddles in unlikely areas.

Choosing an Umbrella Safety Product

Facility managers seldom hesitate to invest in commercial matting to contain the dirt and moisture carried by shoes. Wet umbrellas are an afterthought, and many managers rely on maintenance personnel to reactively clean the messes they make. As with all reactive strategies, reliance on cleaning personnel opens the door for potential slip and fall accidents to occur between the time a puddle forms and the moment it is spotted and cleaned.

To narrow the gap, property owners and facility managers limit their exposure to liability by going the “extra mile” to keep properties clean, dry, and safe on rainy days. All that is required is a simple cost-effective investment in an umbrella stand, rack, or wrapper to help keep rain water in check.

Umbrella Stands, Cans, and Racks

The first type of umbrella safety product is an umbrella stand. Umbrella stands are the oldest and most widely recognized of all products available. They might be simple in design, like the vertical stands and cans seen at commercial (and even residential) entryways. Umbrella stands are also available in rack form, designed to accommodate up to 36 umbrellas in a single unit.

Pros:

• Stands, racks, and cans keep umbrellas in an upright or horizontal position so they dry more efficiently.
• Visitors must leave their umbrella in the unit, reducing the amount of rain water that is tracked beyond the entryway.
• Puddles are effectively prevented, especially when used in conjunction with entryway matting.

Cons:

• Guests might erroneously take the wrong umbrella upon leaving the facility.
• Guests might forget their umbrella altogether.
• Property owner might be held liable for lost or mislaid umbrellas.

Wet Umbrella Bag Dispensers

A newer type of umbrella safety product delivers the best of both worlds by allowing guests to retain possession of their umbrella while also eliminating the threat of rain water runoff. These units are positioned at the entryway, and they have an automatic wrapping mechanism that envelops the wet umbrella in a disposable plastic bag. In one fluid motion, guests insert their umbrella and remove it fully bagged.

Pros:

• Effectively controls rain water runoff on stormy days by completely enveloping wet umbrellas in an elongated plastic bag.
• Reduces rain water accumulation on smooth entryway floors.
• Enables guests to retain possession of their umbrella throughout the duration of their visit.
• Delivers a “wow” factor that cultivates a positive first impression with guests.

Cons:

• More expensive than traditional stands, cans, and racks. Automatic Umbrella Wrappers are preferred by high end residential complexes, hospitality destinations, retail outlets, hospitals, and other public properties where safety and customer experience enhancement are vital.

Find a Customized Solution for Your Property

At Umbrella Bagger, we are passionate about providing commercial-grade safety solutions tailored to meet the needs of any commercial or public property. To learn more about umbrella stands, cans, and new Automatic Umbrella Wrappers, call Client Services at 855-328-8100.

Free Shipping and Price Match Guarantee. To ensure our customers get the right product at the right price, Umbrella Bagger now offers Free Shipping and a 100% Price Match Guarantee for all online orders!

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By law, the manner in which the item is left behind determines the extent to which the property owner is responsible, or liable, for that item. The 3 main scenarios that occur often involve mislaid, lost, or abandoned property (discussed below).

As a property owner, there are a few ways in which liability can be managed so as to prevent financial loss, unhappy guests, and a tarnished public image. First, property owners must make sure all employees and facility managers understand how mislaid, lost, and abandoned umbrellas are different. Then, a strategy must be created to handle each scenario properly.

Was the Umbrella Mislaid or Lost?

Understanding the difference between mislaid and lost property is key. In his book titled Hospitality Law: Managing Legal Issues in the Hospitality Industry, Stephen Barth explains:

Mislaid property are items that are deliberately placed somewhere, but the owner forgets to retrieve it. If someone leaves an umbrella in a can by the entrance then fails to retrieve it, it is considered “mislaid.”

Lost property include items that are placed somewhere, and the owner forgets where he or she placed it.

Avoid Liability with Wet Umbrella Dispensers

To avoid the pitfalls of mislaid or lost property, it is a good idea for property owners to encourage guests to always maintain possession of their belongs. Wet umbrellas present a unique challenge, however, because they can leave a trail of water that forms dangerous puddles through entryways, in elevator lobbies, and down hallways.

Wet umbrella bag dispensers are an ideal solution, giving guests the ability to neatly wrap, stow, and maintain control of their wet umbrellas safely.

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Umbrella Bagger showcases a highly specialized line of umbrella safety and storage equipment, ranging from simplistic stands to more advanced automatic wrappers. Price Match and Free Shipping specials apply to all products, promoting awareness for the equipment available to prevent rain-related liquid accumulation and injury.

On the simplistic side, a basic line of umbrella stands, cans, and racks are available in 3 beautiful finishes. These products are available in a variety of sizes, with storage capacity ranging from 4 to 30 wet umbrellas.

For commercial locations that want to wow prospective customers and guests, new Automatic Umbrella Wrappers are also available. Automatic Wrappers feature a special mechanism that effortlessly envelops wet umbrellas in a disposable bag, giving guests a fast and convenient way to insert, wrap, and carry-away their umbrellas. These units are often seen as a superior means of moisture control and accident prevention because they effectively control rainwater runoff without asking patrons to relinquish control of their umbrella or leave it at the entryway.

Free Shipping and 100% Price Match Guarantee on All Umbrella Stands

To learn more, readers are invited to call Umbrella Bagger Client Services at 1-855-328-8100.

Read the full press release:  Umbrellabagger-Announces-Low-Price Guarantee

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The discussion of apartment safety often takes a back seat to discussions on commercial safety, perhaps because visitor turnover and increased exposure to weather makes commercial spaces ripe with dangers for guests. Nevertheless, developers and property owners are wise to consider tenant safety when conceptualizing, building, and managing residential living spaces.

Pictured left is a wet umbrella bag stand positioned outside the Four Ambassadors Hotel and Residences in Miami, Florida. Refer to this image as you read the rest of this article, and consider how these simple products speak volumes about a building’s commitment to providing superior comfort and safety for guests.

Why care about tenant safety?

It’s projected that about 5 to 6 million families will become renters by 2013, according to statistics gathered by the National Association of Realtors. Some point to the mortgage crisis of 2008 as a main cause for this increasing population of renters. The lackluster recovery of the U.S. economy might likewise be keeping people renting, as fewer Americans have the liquidity to afford purchasing a new home.

As the population of renters continues to climb, the concern for tenant safety will likewise become an increasingly important issue for property owners.

Why property owners should invest in umbrella wrappers

Last month, our editorial team ranked residential apartment complexes as 1 of the top 5 places that benefit from wet umbrella wrappers. From property owners from liability to enhancing tenant living experience, here are the top 3 reasons property owners should make the cost effective leap toward safer entryways with these unique products.

1. Prevent liability for slip and fall accidents.

By law, property owners have the legal responsibility to keep premises safe for visitors. They must also take reasonable action to repair unsafe conditions, and they must warn guests of known dangers.

A slick floor surface that becomes slippery and dangerous when wet can sometimes constitute a known danger. Additionally, failure to clean liquid accumulation may constitute negligence, which can ultimately make the property owner responsible for any injuries that result.

To prevent liability, property owners must employ management teams, maintenance personnel, and safety products to keep things safe for all guests. Wet umbrella wrappers are a proactive and cost-effective way to do so, particularly during days of inclement weather.

2. Protect tenants from the development of mold and mildew.

Umbrella wrappers do more than just prevent slip and fall accidents. In keeping precipitation under control, these products also prevent standing liquid accumulation and the formation of mold and mildew. This is particularly important to implement in clubhouses and other common areas for which proper cleaning and upkeep is the responsibility of the management team.

3. Improve the building’s image.

Safety is not the only benefit offered by wet umbrella wrappers. True, these units keep puddles from causing slips, falls, and hazardous mold formation. But they add value in another less obvious way: They build community image.

By providing automatic umbrella wrappers, property managers convey genuine concern for the well-being and comfort of their guests. Whether tenants, guests, or prospective renters, all can appreciate the kind and thoughtful gesture that these units display.

Learn More About Umbrella Wrappers for Residential Buildings

To learn more about umbrella stands, dispensers, and automatic wrappers for residential buildings, readers are invited to contact Umbrella Bagger Customer Services at 855-328-8100.

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By mid-afternoon of Black Friday 2008, media outlets nationwide reported the same heartbreaking story: An elderly employee of a mega-retailer had been trampled to death by a mob of unruly shoppers. Since that time, retailers have committed to improving safety for both employees and shoppers during the busy sales events of the winter holiday season.

The following Black Friday Safety Checklist draws vital information from Federal safety agencies and is intended to help storefront owners effectively manage crowds of customers. With a bit of proactive preparation, retailers can take positive steps to ensure the tragic events of Friday, November 28^th are never repeated.

Review OSHA’s Crowd Management Safety Guidelines for Retailers

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) published an online reference for all retailers to provide tips for preventing in-store accidents and injuries during busy sales events. Effective crowd management, according to OSHA, is critical in preventing accidents and fatal injuries.

Planning for the Event

Whether planning for Black Friday or prepping for large December crowds, OSHA recommends retailers take the following precautions:

1. Examine all major points of entry. Determine where the largest inflow and outflow of shoppers will occur, and station additional employees or security personnel as needed.

2. Verify the property’s compliance with all safety codes and requirements. This is most efficiently done by contacting local fire, police, and other municipality authorities.

3. To improve emergency response, designate one specific employee per shift to be responsible for contacting the police, EMTs, or the fire department in the case of an emergency.

Setting Up for the Event

As the day of the sales event draws closer, OSHA recommends retailers pay close attention to the following issues and challenges while prepping the store:

1. Use posts, stanchions, and crowd control devices to create queues that will control the crowd as they enter the store. Create similar crowd control systems to sort shoppers into lines so they may make their purchase and exit the premises quickly and efficiently.

2. Designate employees to serve as Greeters, directing the public to specific line queues and/or points of entry as they arrive to the store.

3. Inside, display special sale items in a designated area that is easily accessible and clearly marked. This will reduce overcrowding in certain areas, and it will help shoppers find popular items quickly.

During the Big Day

Of course, special precautions must be taken on the day of the sales event. This is when crowds of customers will surge the aisles of the store, making it imperative that all employees, staff, and security personnel work together to ensure everyone’s safety. OSHA recommends retailers consider the following safety guidelines:

1. Designate a special entrance area for employees so personnel can enter and leave the premises freely. Station security personnel at the employee entrance to prevent public use.

2. Position uniformed security personnel at all points of major entry. Staff additional police, if needed. Positioning these trained professionals in highly visible areas will both discourage aggression among shoppers while also promoting feelings of safety.

3. Carefully monitor customer inflow, and do not let additional shoppers enter the premises after maximum occupancy is reached.

Read the Full OSHA Report

The items above are just a small sample of a much larger report that OSHA has produced to help retailers control crowds and maintain safety during sales events this year. For the full report, including additional tips on responding to emergency situations, visit the complete Crowd Management Safety Guidelines for Retailers.

Umbrella Bagger: Committed to a Safe Shopping Experience

Umbrella Bagger stands committed to helping retailers create a safe shopping experience this holiday season.

In addition to following OSHA recommendations for effective crowd management, retailers are invited to learn more about slip and fall prevention with wet umbrella bag stands. Proactively prevent rain and snow puddles to keep entryways clean, dry, and safe through major sales events and days of inclement weather.

To learn more, call Umbrella Bagger Client Services at 855-328-8100.

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As we’ve covered in many blog articles and studies this year, one of the best ways to improve customer satisfaction and visitor safety is to focus on making sure floor surfaces are clean, dry, and safe. The importance of floors was highlighted earlier this year when American insurance company, CNA, released a new study indicating that poorly maintained floors were the #1 contributing factor in slip and fall accident cases. For some, this statistic was a departure from conventional wisdom, as many would intuitively guess that slips and falls had more to do with visitor footwear and/or clumsiness.

In keeping entryways safe, customers are sure to feel a firm foothold and a warm welcome when entering storefronts to shop during the 2013 holiday season.

Spreading Awareness for In-store Accident Prevention

The biggest reason we are spreading awareness for visitor safety during the holiday shopping season is simple: Accidents are more likely to occur when storefronts are busy, overcrowded, and offering big sales. Retailers know firsthand that each of those variables has major influence during the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, making now the perfect time to re-think storefront safety products and protocols.

Moreover, the snow and rain of winter months has the potential to make entryways even more treacherous than normal. To prepare, retailers are encouraged to be mindful of the 10 days that are predicted to be the busiest this season:

1. November 29th: Black Friday
2. December 21st: Super Saturday
3. December 22nd
4. December 20th
5. December 14th
6. December 23rd
7. December 26th (the day following Christmas)
8. November 30th (Saturday following Black Friday)
9. December 7th
10. 10. December 28th

Tips for Preventing Slippery Floors

With the top 10 busiest shopping days in mind, property owners must shift gears to think about visitor safety from the ground-up. Below are 3 essential tips for making sure that storefronts, particularly high traffic entryways, stay clean, dry, and safe for shoppers.

1. Use floor mats for added traction.

Floor mats are perhaps one of the oldest and most well-known methods of accident prevention. Mats are available in a variety of makes and models, each of which can add a significant layer of traction on which customers can walk while simultaneously drying their shoes.

2. Offer coat racks or coat check services.

Floor mats are just the foundation for a slip-free season, however. It’s important to understand other ways in which snow, ice, and rainwater can penetrate facilities and cause hazardous puddles. One way precipitation is carried past entryways and throughout the storefront is by way of wet raincoats and other outdoor apparel. Offer a place for guests to check their coats, and you’ll reap two benefits: Precipitation control, and customer experience enhancement. Allow guests to easily shed their wet coats, and create an in-store environment that invites happy shopping.

3. Offer wet umbrella bags to guests.

Umbrellas are particularly good at carrying precipitation past entryways, as they are often carried throughout the store with little thought of the mess they make. As property owners, keeping up with liquid accumulation from wet umbrellas can be a challenge that can lead to slips, trips, and falls when left unchecked. Place wet umbrella bag dispensers at all major points of entry, and give guests a convenient way to stow their umbrellas while they shop.

Keeping Things Clean, Dry, and Safe This Winter

Visit Umbrella Bagger for additional information on wet umbrella bag stands, disposable bags, and other safety products. For order information and assistance, call toll free 1-855-328-8100.

Read the full press release by clicking on the following link: PRWeb-Umbrella Bagger Spreads Awareness for In Store Accident Prevention

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Controlling rainwater accumulation is vital when it comes to maintaining a clean, dry, and safe environment as well. Contrary to popular belief, it is often the condition of the floor that causes the accident—not the clumsiness of the person who falls (i). In this light, staying proactive in controlling wet umbrellas and the rainwater they carry is essential in preventing unnecessary slips, trips, and falls during rainy days.

5 Settings That Are Ideal for Umbrella Wrappers

The following 5 locations are the most ideal settings for these unique safety products.

Residential apartment buildings

Whether purchasing a unit or leasing for the year, apartment complexes are first and foremost judged on the quality of life they provide to residents. Aesthetics, common areas, amenities, and staff are all vital selling points. It’s important to remember that curb appeal is everything, and wet umbrella bag stands are a fine touch that residents and guests are sure to enjoy. Moreover, these devices are highly effective in proactively preventing accidents that can otherwise occur when rainwater is left to form puddles on the floor.

Commercial buildings

Commercial buildings benefit from umbrella bag dispensers for much the same reason that residential complexes do. An important difference, however, lies in the footwear of the guests who frequent the premises. Whether dressing business casual or donning a suit, professional men and women typically wear shoes with smoother soles and less grip than average sneakers. The smallest touch of rainwater or debris can cause a serious slip and fall, making it more dangerous than usual to allow guests to carry wet umbrellas through the entryway, lobby, and interior corridors.

Banks

Security, comfort, and superior customer service are often the three most important values financial lending institutions leverage when competing for new customers. Although umbrella bag dispensers won’t prevent fraud or identity theft, they will make those rainy day trips to the bank a more comfortable experience. After all, no one likes waiting in line with a sopping wet umbrella and their arm.

College campuses

Few communities spend more time traveling from building to building throughout the day than the students, professors, and staff that make up our nation’s college campuses. Add wind and rain to the mix, and it’s easy to see how slip and fall accidents can become a real threat. With such a high level of turnover throughout the day, campus buildings are smart to invest in safety products that keep dirt, debris, and moisture in check. Floor mats are essential, and umbrella bag dispensers are a vital complement, especially in the entryways of auditoriums, fitness centers, and other places that attract high profile events.

Hotels and Resorts

Hotels and resorts are an escape from the ordinary. And although people travel to these destinations to take a break from reality, they still appreciate a warm and comfortable environment. Umbrella bag dispensers are a simple way to make a positive first impression, particularly for tropical destinations that experience unpredictable storms and rainfall.

Learn More About Automatic Umbrella Wrappers

Visit Umbrella Bagger online to shop the Web’s most comprehensive collection of umbrella bag dispensers. Shop our new collection of Automatic Umbrella Wrappers, new units that allow guest to bag and stow wet umbrellas in a single, fluid motion.

Sources:

(i) “New Techniques to Control Slips and Falls.” National Floor Safety Institute. Accessed 23 August 2013.

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