Building Safety Month: Week Three

International Code Council

The International Code Council (ICC) is an awesome association of thousands of global members with an honorable cause. They publish standardized building codes and rules for public use in order to create safer communities. Per their website, their vision is to “protect the health, safety and welfare of people by creating safe buildings and communities”, and their mission reads “to provide the highest quality codes, standards, products and services for all concerned with the safety and performance of the built environment.” It seems that they have done a pretty fantastic job, as not only do various government agencies enforce their codes, but all fifty states do as well. They’re not a team of geeky architects in a room writing incomprehensible building codes, they’re a team of social engineers that care about the well-being of the public, and each year they team up with renowned sponsors in order to bring the public Building Safety Month.

Building Safety Month: Surround Your Building with Safety

Building Safety Month is an awesome project brought to the public from the ICC and notable sponsors such as National Association of Home Builders, the US Department of Energy, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The program spans a month long, with each week dedicated to specific tips, tricks, and information intended to educate the public enabling people to create safer atmospheres. This week of Building Safety Month is dedicated to backyard safety tips. With the summer weather comes pool parties, outside play, grilling, picnics, gardening, and other lawn equipment. While seemingly harmless, these activities and tools pose safety hazards, especially for children. A few tips they offer are:

• Constant adult supervision of children around pools or spas is a must. Drowning is a leading cause of death for children under five.
• Reserve a spot on the wall or fence near the pool for life-saving devices, including a mobile telephone.
• Use a pool cover when the pool isn’t in use.
• Drain covers need to be properly fitted and paired or have vacuum suction releases to avoid being trapped under water.
• Spa temperatures should be set to 104 degrees Fahrenheit or lower, as higher numbers could lead to heat stroke, unconsciousness, drowsiness, or death.
• A grilling area needs to be strictly designated as a “no play zone”.
• Check propane cylinder hoses for leaks before use of the grill.
• Don’t leave unused toys, tools, or equipment in the yard.
• Check all backyard structures including swings, slides, playhouses, etc. for sharp pieces and structural damages.
• Learn CPR.

Having fun during the summer need not be so daunting. These are simple rules that can save you hassle, injuries, and could potentially save lives. Installing a carport or garage could make it even easier. Use a carport as a picnic area for convenient grilling, or as a play area to protect the little ones from the sun. Build a garage for storage of toys and lawn equipment. Our carports and garages are designed by the best engineers and are manufactured with high-quality steel, so you don’t need to worry about structural dangers. If certified, not even high winds or heavy snows can take them down. Make your summer safer with the ICC’s Building Safety Month, and make it special with a carport! Check here for more Building Safety Month information. Give us a call and speak to a professional staff member at 855-CAR-PORT, or get a custom quote here, and don’t forget to like us on Facebook for more information!