May Marks 31st Building Safety Month
WASHINGTON, D.C. — In celebration of its 31st anniversary of Building Safety Month, the International Code Council plans to educate the public and builders about building safety and sustainability issues throughout the month of May.
The first week will be devoted to green and energy-efficiency issues, followed by disaster safety and mitigation, fire safety and awareness and backyard safety themes.
During Green and Energy Week, consumers will learn comprehensive strategies, such as replacing insulation, windows and roofs, as well as low-cost strategies for increasing energy efficiency.
"We talked to communities that indicated their voluntary green building programs reach only — but an important — 30 percent of the built environment,” said Richard P. Wieland, ICCF Board of Governors and CEO of the Code Council. “That told us there is a clear need for a regulatory tool to establish a baseline to help jurisdictions meet their sustainability goals."
The month originated in 1980, starting out as just Building Safety Week, in response to a series of tragedies that officials say could have been prevented through the existence and enforcement of safety codes.
“Building safety codes are often taken for granted, but they are incredibly necessary, and the foundation upon which healthy, secure homes and buildings are built,” said Richard P. Weiland, CEO of the council and a member of its governing board. "Building Safety Month is our way of introducing ourselves to the public and sharing what we know so they can live healthier, safer lives in secure and sustainable homes, schools and buildings.”
Celebrations across the country will vary, from free deck inspections, school assemblies, and official proclamations with governors, to film festivals.
“Whether the celebrations are formal, ceremonial or just plain fun, the message is that adoption and enforcement of strong buildings codes can make the difference between life and death,” officials said.
The month is sponsored by BASF – The Chemical Company, the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes, the National Center for Healthy Housing, The Propane Education & Research Council and BuildingReports, among others.
Visit http://www.buildingsafetymonth.org/ for more information.