Sources: International Code Council, Itasca, Ill.; CP staff
“Safer Buildings, Safer Communities, Safer World” is the theme of the International Code Council-designated global campaign, Building Safety Month (May). The American Concrete Institute, National Association of Home Builders and other sponsors will join the ICC in promoting the role of modern building codes and attendant compliance measures in creating safer and more resilient communities.
Places of residence are no longer simply family living spaces, ICC notes: They’ve taken on the role of extended work, school, gym and entertainment centers. With a greater demand to create safe cities of the future, the Council adds, buildings need to account for increased capacity, dangers from natural disasters and resource shortages, and a wide range of public safety concerns. Building Safety Month provides homeowners, government officials and the public with the necessary information for ensuring safety in the spaces where they live, work and learn.
“As we face new and unprecedented challenges, it becomes imperative that our building codes and standards are planned with an eye toward the future,” says ICC Senior Vice President of Government Relations Sara Yerkes. “With people spending more time indoors, creating safe, reliable and healthy buildings has never been more important. Our goal through Building Safety Month is to bring attention to the effectiveness of modern codes and the code officials who maintain them.”
“The Council, its members and partners have been celebrating building codes and the role of code officials during May for 40 years,” adds Board President Greg Wheeler. “In difficult times, like our current pandemic, code officials remain essential to keeping us all safe and protected within the buildings we spend most of our time. Regardless of the circumstances, safe building will always be important.” — www.buildingsafetymonth.org
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