Throughout the month of May, Botetourt County will participate in the 43rd 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, “It Starts with YOU,” raises awareness about the role county citizens play in ensuring safety in the spaces they live, work, and learn. The campaign also makes the connection between building codes and personal safety, as well as the important work done by building safety professionals in the county.
This year’s campaign addresses how building safety impacts everyone on a personal, local, and global level.
- Week One: Building Safety Starts at Home, May 1-7, highlights how building safety impacts everyday life as family members, friends, and individuals at home.
- Week Two: Building Safety Professionals and You, May 8-14, share a glimpse into the world of building safety professionals by outlining different roles and their responsibilities.
- Week Three: Prepare Your Community, May 15-21, focuses on how to protect not just your home, but your community at large, from disaster.
- Week Four: Advocate for Your Community, May 22-28, provides the tips and tools needed to advocate for building safety in your community.
- Week Five: Solving Challenges Together, May 29-31, elevates Building Safety Month to a global scale by addressing how people can work together internationally to tackle the world’s most important issues.
“Throughout Building Safety Month, many opportunities will be provided for citizens and contractors to learn more about the Building Department Staff and our dedication to enforcement of the Building Code in providing a level of protection they deserve and should expect,” says Botetourt County Building Official Mark Bowles.
“The Building Code is in place not as an inconvenience or to raise the cost of construction, but rather to help ensure safer, more environmentally friendly buildings for living, working, learning and recreation,” says Botetourt County Director of Community Development Nicole Pendleton. “Our team is always available to help educate the public on the Building Code and are excited to be able to share information with our community.”
Learn more about Building Safety Month at www.buildingsafetymonth.org or join the conversation on social media using #BuildingSafety365.
~ Botetourt County Communications