In May 2018, Fairfax County is participating in the 38th annual Building Safety Month, a worldwide campaign presented by the International Code Council, its members and partners to promote building safety. First observed in 1980, Building Safety Month raises awareness about critical safety issues from structural to fire prevention, plumbing and mechanical systems, and energy efficiency.

Building codes and the officials who enforce them are making our families and communities safer and more resilient. Homes and buildings that are built in compliance with building safety codes result in resilient structures that minimize the risks of death, injury and property damage. In the wake of a disastrous hurricane season, rampant wildfires and devastating earthquakes, building safety is even more important. Building safety affects everyone, and modern, updated building codes save lives.

This year’s themes are:

• 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; and
• May 27–31, Improving Education and Training Standards for a Safer Tomorrow.

Local events to celebrate Building Safety are being organized by the Department of Land Development Services throughout the month of May. A full agenda can be downloaded here. You can hear from one of LDS’s Building Division Supervising Combination Inspectors about the importance of Building Safety Month on this episode of the podcast Code Talk. The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors are scheduled to proclaim May as Building Safety Month on May 15.

Learn more about Building Safety Month at www.buildingsafetymonth.org.