Building safety is an essential part of our daily lives, influencing everything from the homes we live in to the businesses we visit and the public spaces we use. Safe buildings don’t just happen by accident, they are the result of careful planning and the adoption and enforcement of modern building codes.
Every May, the International Code Council’s Building Safety Month campaign raises awareness about building safety and the role of building codes in keeping us all safe. Week 2 of this year’s campaign focused on how individuals can create and support building safety programs in their communities.
Why Building Safety and Accessibility Matters
Up-to-date building codes are essential tools for protecting homes, businesses, and public spaces from potential hazards, including fires, structural failures, and the growing threat of extreme weather events.
Equally important is the advocacy for accessibility in building safety. Everyone deserves safe and accessible spaces. Advocating for accessible design and ensuring that building codes address these needs helps create communities where everyone can participate and thrive.
How to Advocate for Stronger Building Safety and Accessibility
Advocating for stronger building safety and accessibility requires active participation from all sectors of the community.
Here are three things you can do right now:
1. Attend City Council Meetings and Speak Up
Local governments are often responsible for the adoption and enforcement of modern building codes. By attending city council meetings and voicing your support for building safety regulations, you can help influence the decisions that shape your community. Engaging with local lawmakers can help ensure that building safety and accessibility remains a top priority.
2. Contact Local Policymakers and Officials
Reach out to your elected officials to advocate for the adoption of building safety codes and investment in the resources that support their implementation. Policymakers and officials can benefit from hearing about the importance of up-to-date codes and how they can help make your community safer.
The Federal Alliance for Safe Homes has created a Strong Homes Scale to determine how resilient your home may be. You can utilize the Scale to check the status of your local building codes and advocate for the latest versions. Access the Scale here.
3. Raise Public Awareness Through Media and Community Engagement
Getting the word out through local media outlets, social media, and community events is an effective way to spread awareness about building safety. When more people are informed, effective action is more likely, whether it’s advocating for code updates or reporting unsafe buildings.
The Code Council’s Building Safety Month website offers resources to host successful campaigns, reach out to the media, and spread the word on social media.
Small Actions That Make a Big Difference
While large-scale advocacy efforts are essential, small actions also play a significant role in creating a safer community. Simple steps, such as reporting unsafe buildings to your local building department or installing smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, help prevent potential disasters and help save lives.
Also, only use reputable contractors and obtain permits, where required, to ensure your projects meet safety and accessibility requirements.
Local resources such as building departments, fire marshals, and community organizations are key partners in these efforts. These groups offer valuable support, guidance, and education to ensure that safety and accessibility standards are met.
Building Safety is a Team Sport
Building safety is not just a responsibility for architects or city officials, it’s an ongoing community effort. By advocating for strong building codes, being informed about safety standards, and acting, when necessary, we can ensure that our buildings remain safe, resilient, and sustainable in the face of growing challenges.