Building Safety Starts at Home

Each year, the International Code Council (ICC) designates May as Building Safety Month, when federal, state and local government officials across the country take the time to raise awareness and also recognize, thank and commend all those that play an important role in building safety.

Building Safety Month is the time to share important public safety messages with individuals, families, and businesses on why safety codes are the first step to safeguard your home and workplace. Building regulations and code enforcement are so important in protecting from disasters like fire, weather-related events, and structural collapse. It also reinforces the need for regularly updated building codes, a strong and efficient system of code enforcement, and a well-trained, professional workforce.

In 2023, Building Safety Month will explore how building safety impacts everyone on a personal, local, and global level. As part of the "Building Safety is Personal" theme, this week we are highlighting "Building Safety Starts at Home" and how building safety impacts our everyday life as family members, friends, and individuals at home.

Building safety starts at home by taking important safety measures and adopting safe practices. To learn about building safety in your home, join us on Wednesday, May 3, 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm, in the Board Room Chambers, James J. McCoart Building, 1 County Complex, Ct, Prince William, VA 22192 or online via Teams. Click here to join the meeting.

Building Safety professionals will be available to answer frequently asked questions and attendees will learn about the permitting process for home projects. Here we will dive into everything from fire safety tips and home maintenance best practices. In addition, attendees can enter a chance to win a raffle prize and take-home safety information, brochures and more. 

Here are a few things you should know:

• Put a smoke alarm on every level of your home, outside each sleeping area and inside every bedroom.
• Test each smoke alarm regularly. Keep batteries fresh by replacing them annually.
• Make an escape plan so everyone knows how to get out fast.
• Keep all items that can burn away from your home, clean leaves from your gutters, and clear dead leaves and branches from shrubs and trees.

Do you have a question for a building safety professional? Let us know on Facebook and Twitter and use #BuildingSafety365 to help spread the word. To find out about all the Building Safety Month events taking place in May visit the Events Calendar. For more information, please call Development Services at (703) 792-6930 or[email protected].