Do not disturb sign
Encyclopedia
A do not disturb sign is a sign placed on a door, either hanging on the doorknob or in some other manner, that lets others know not to enter.
One common place where do not disturb signs are used is in places of lodging
, where guests can place these signs on the door in order to inform staff, including housekeeping
to respect their privacy
. Some hotels also provide "make up room" signs giving the opposite instructions.
They are also used in schools to let other staff members and students at the school know that testing is in progress in the particular classroom.
Do not disturb signs are recommended to those who keep valuables in their rooms in order to deter possible thieves.
, suspicious death, or other criminal activity
.
In 2009, a do not disturb sign was blamed for concealing the disappearance of an elderly couple on a cruise ship.
In 2007, Embassy Suites ran a contest allowing the public to design do not disturb signs. The winner was announced in 2008.
One common place where do not disturb signs are used is in places of lodging
Hotel
A hotel is an establishment that provides paid lodging on a short-term basis. The provision of basic accommodation, in times past, consisting only of a room with a bed, a cupboard, a small table and a washstand has largely been replaced by rooms with modern facilities, including en-suite bathrooms...
, where guests can place these signs on the door in order to inform staff, including housekeeping
Maid service
Maid service, cleaning service and janitorial service are terms more modernly describing a specialized outside service, providing a specific service to individuals, businesses, fraternal clubs and associations as well a home....
to respect their privacy
Privacy
Privacy is the ability of an individual or group to seclude themselves or information about themselves and thereby reveal themselves selectively...
. Some hotels also provide "make up room" signs giving the opposite instructions.
They are also used in schools to let other staff members and students at the school know that testing is in progress in the particular classroom.
Do not disturb signs are recommended to those who keep valuables in their rooms in order to deter possible thieves.
Problems with do not disturb signs
In multiple cases, a do not disturb sign on the door of a hotel room has been blamed for concealing a homicideHomicide
Homicide refers to the act of a human killing another human. Murder, for example, is a type of homicide. It can also describe a person who has committed such an act, though this use is rare in modern English...
, suspicious death, or other criminal activity
Criminal Activity
Criminal Activity is the debut album by American rap supergroup Criminalz, which consisted of Spice 1, Celly Cel and Jayo Felony. It was released August 7, 2001 on Celly Cel's label, Realside Records. The album was produced by Doyle, G-Man Stan, Spice 1 and Stan Keith...
.
In 2009, a do not disturb sign was blamed for concealing the disappearance of an elderly couple on a cruise ship.
Future of do not disturb signs
High tech signs
Some hotels are using high tech means to replace the paper do not disturb sign that hangs on the door. They are including a privacy button that one can press from the comfort of their room that lights up an indicator outside the room.Use as a marketing tool
More recently, hotels are using the do not disturb signs as a way to brand themselves and provide inexpensive advertising.In 2007, Embassy Suites ran a contest allowing the public to design do not disturb signs. The winner was announced in 2008.