May is the 38th year for Building Safety Month, a campaign to raise awareness about safe and sustainable structures. This year’s theme for the international campaign is “Building Codes Save Lives.”
On Monday, April 30, the Mayor and Council were scheduled to issue a proclamation declaring May as Building Safety Month in Rockville.
“The campaign reinforces the need for the adoption of modern, regularly-updated building codes, a strong and efficient system of code enforcement and a well-trained, professional workforce to maintain the system,” according to the International Code Council, which founded the monthlong outreach program. “All communities need building codes to protect their citizens from disasters like fires, weather-related events and structural collapse. … Code officials work day in and day out to keep the public safe.”
Most U.S. communities, including Maryland and the City of Rockville, have adopted and enforce ICC codes and standards. In Rockville, the Inspection Services Division regulates state-mandated building codes and ordinances by issuing permits and contractor licenses, reviewing plans and inspecting all phases of residential and commercial construction, to ensure buildings and structures under construction are safe, code-compliant and in conformance with approved plans.
“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,” Code Council board president Jay Elbettar said.
Each week of May is dedicated to a different aspect of building safety:
- May 1-5: Partnering with code officials to build stronger, safer communities.
- May 6-12: Advancing resilient communities through science and technology.
- May 13-19: Protecting communities from disasters.
- May 20-26: Safeguarding our water.
- May 27-31: Improving education and training standards for a safer tomorrow.
Visit www.rockvillemd.gov/inspectionservices to learn more about the Inspection Services Division, and www.buildingsafetymonth.org for information on Building Safety Month.