The Richmond City Council approved a resolution to observe Building Safety Month 2020. In May, the City of Richmond will participate in the 40th Annual Building Safety Month, a worldwide campaign presented by the International Code Council, its members and partners to promote building safety. This year’s campaign, “Safer Buildings, Safer Communities, Safer World,” highlights the importance of building codes for providing a strong and resilient built environment, and regularly updated codes that ensure that communities are protected in the face of disasters.
As we prepare ourselves for the increased severity and frequency of natural disasters, building safety is even more important. Disaster mitigation through the adoption and enforcement of building codes is one of the best ways for communities to prepare and protect against future disasters. Homes and buildings that are built in compliance with building safety codes and the officials who enforce the codes are essential to helping communities minimize the risks of death, injury and property damage in the event of a disaster.
This year’s campaign themes are: Week One, May 1-10, Disaster Preparedness; Week Two, May 11-17, Water Safety; Week Three, May 18-24, Resiliency. Sustainability. Innovation.; and Week Four, May 25-31, Training the Next Generation.
“The men and women that serve as building safety and fire prevention experts are essential to our communities,” said Tonya Willim, City Administrator. “They inspect buildings and review construction plans to ensure code compliance and to ensure the places where you live, work and play are safe.”
Learn more about Building Safety Month at www.buildingsafetymonth.org or join the conversation on social media using #BuildingSafety365.
