Sources: International Code Council, Itasca, Ill.; CP staff
The authority overseeing the widely adopted International Building and International Residential Codes is ramping up promotion of the 38th annual Building Safety Month with an unmistakable message: “Building Codes Save Lives.” The ICC-led, international campaign is celebrated by jurisdictions worldwide during the month of May and raises awareness about building safety and the importance of current safety codes and code officials’ role in creating safe, sustainable structures that communities can rely on for generations.
Throughout the month, ICC and its 60,000-plus members, along with a diverse partnership of professionals from the construction, design and safety community confer with corporations, government agencies, professional associations and nonprofits to promote building safety through proclamations, informational events and legislative briefings.
“Building Safety Month brings attention to issues that are not regularly considered unless disaster strikes. Modern codes and standards incorporate the latest technology and provide the safest, most resilient structures for our families and communities to protect against building failures, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, high-rise fires and other modern day disasters,” says ICC CEO Dominic Sims, CBO. “Building codes really do save lives.”
“The Code Council, in partnership with our members and stakeholders, works hard year-round to ensure that we work, live and play in strong, safe buildings. Through Building Safety Month activities, we recognize the dedication of our code officials and celebrate the fact that the International Codes result in the highest level of building safety in the industrial world,” adds ICC Board President Jay Elbettar, P.E.
Weekly themes throughout the month will spotlight specific areas: May 1-5, “Partnering with Code Officials to Build Stronger, Safer Communities”; May 6-12, “Advancing Resilient Communities Through Science & Technology”; May 13-19, “Protecting Communities from Disasters”; May 20-26, “Safeguarding Our Water”; and, May 27-31, “Improving Education & Training Standards for a Safer Tomorrow.”
A 2018 Building Safety Month poster file can be obtained free of charge here; additional campaign information is posted at www.buildingsafetymonth.org.