Building codes can seem frustrating. They demand building plan approvals, collaboration with city planning and building departments and they create a chain of checkups and inspections along the way.
Yet building codes also protect residents and save lives and this is why Accela celebrates May as Building Safety Month. The International Code Council (ICC) has set the time aside to call attention to the significance of building codes and provide education to governments and communities about how they can leverage this regulatory tool to protect residents during times of disaster.
“All communities need building codes to protect their citizens from disasters like fires, weather-related events and structural collapse,” the ICC notes. “The building codes are society’s best way of protecting homes, offices, schools, manufacturing facilities, stores and entertainment venues.”
As we recognize Building Safety Month, below is a list of links to ICC community resources with building code best practices and strategies. Each resource is tied to a weekly building safety theme that will be highlighted during the month-long initiative.
1. Disaster Preparedness
Natural disasters are increasing in severity and frequency. Planning in advance for devastating events like hurricanes, floods, snowstorms, tornadoes, wildfires and earthquakes helps individuals and communities increase the health and safety of their population during a disaster, protects the local tax base, ensures continuity of essential services, and supports a faster recovery in the aftermath of a disaster.
2. Training and Education
Well-trained, motivated building safety professionals are key to creating and maintaining a successful built environment. Training is important because it helps code officials avoid mistakes and accidents and properly enforce the code. The building safety field encompasses a wide gamut of specialties and offers many excellent career opportunities that contribute to the safety of the built environment.
3. Securing clean, abundant water
Clean water is the world’s most precious commodity. The World Health Organization estimates 844 million people lack basic drinking-water service. Building, plumbing and green codes help guard this precious commodity for future generations through proper construction, conservation and safe disposal.
4. Benefits for Construction Professionals and Homeowners
Whether you are going through a minor remodeling job or major construction, the code official wants your project to be a success. Building safety professionals play a major role in keeping the public safe. They can also help avoid potential problems that could put you at risk and cost you time and money.
5. Innovations in building safety
Science and technology are leading the way for designing and constructing safe, efficient and resilient homes and buildings. Up-to-date building safety codes and standards enable technology to be incorporated into buildings while ensuring safety for lives, properties and investments.
You can learn more about innovations in building safety by visiting Accela’s solution pages for planning and building here.
