WASHINGTON, Nov. 3, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The International Code Council Foundation (ICCF) today announced plans to extend its 30-year tradition of hosting "Building Safety Week" to encompass a full month-long awareness campaign, "Building Safety Month" -- in May 2010.
"Building Safety Month is an excellent opportunity for families and businesses across the nation to learn about critical resources that will make a difference in protecting their home and workplace environments," said Danny Lipford, home expert and host of national TV and radio programs Today's Homeowner and Homefront. "It's exciting to see this campaign expand from one week into a full month of education that will build greater awareness."
Building Safety Month aims to increase awareness about the critical importance of designing and building safe, sustainable and green structures in the United States and worldwide. As part of this expanded effort to showcase the progress made over 30 years, Building Safety Month will highlight historic milestones, current technologies and future innovations in building and fire codes, as well as construction and safety technologies.
"Building Safety Month will be a catalyst for communicating the critical role of building and fire codes in maintaining safe and sustainable environments," said Richard P. Weiland, Code Council CEO. "The sphere of knowledge among architects, engineers and skilled industry veterans needs to be shared with the public at large in order to protect families and individuals around the globe."
The official announcement will be made at the International Code Council's Annual Conference and Code Development Hearings in Baltimore this week, followed by public endorsements by leaders in the building industry including Lipford.
Following in the tradition of Building Safety Week's yearly campaign theme, the ICCF researched today's most pressing concerns related to building safety and determined that it was necessary to focus on four key areas (one each week) for Building Safety Month 2010: Energy and Green Building; Disaster Safety and Mitigation; Fire Awareness and Safety; and Backyard Safety.
Even after 30 years, there is still a growing need for collaboration between code and fire officials, retailers and homeowners to ensure the places where we live, work and play are safe. Countless accidents still occur in homes across the United States and globally when buildings are built, remodeled or maintained with little or no knowledge of model codes - and why they are important. All people need protection from potential tragedy due to fire, structural collapse and general deterioration in our homes, offices, schools, manufacturing facilities, stores or places of entertainment.
Building codes embrace all aspects of building construction - fire and structural items as well as the plumbing, electrical and mechanical systems. They provide safeguards and ensure uniformity in the construction industry. While codes provide the means to reduce risks to an acceptable level, no code can totally eliminate all of the potential hazards. Only through proper design, sound construction practices and effective code administration programs, can owners ensure safe and hazard-free buildings for occupants.
More details on Building Safety Month will be released in the coming months including details on key leadership support, events and resources available.
For information on sponsorship opportunities for Building Safety Month 2010, please visit: http://www2.icc-foundation.org/bsm
About the International Code Council Foundation
The International Code Council Foundation (ICCF) is a subsidiary of the International Code Council (ICC), a membership association dedicated to building safety and fire prevention. The Council develops the codes used to construct residential and commercial buildings, including homes and schools. Most U.S. cities, counties and states that adopt codes choose the International Codes developed by the International Code Council. The Foundation (ICCF) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with the mission to promote consumer education and professional development concerning ideas, methods and technologies to encourage the construction of safe, sustainable buildings and homes to minimize the devastating effects of natural disasters and other building tragedies. For more information about the ICC Foundation, call 1-888-ICC-SAFE (422-7233), ext. 4223 or visit www.icc-foundation.org.
The International Code Council Foundation logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=6796