Building Safety

May is national building safety month, helping to build awareness about the importance of building to code and maintaining structures. The City of Jacksonville Building Inspections Division, in partnership with the International Code Council offer safety ideas and tips for homeowners and contractors. For more about building safety visit the International Code Council website

Partnering with Code Officials to Build Stronger, Safer Communities

Whether you are going through a minor remodeling job or major construction, the code official wants your project to be a success. Building safety professionals play a major role in keeping the public safe. They can also help avoid potential problems that could cost you time and money.

Before you begin any work that involves construction, visit your local building department. They will explain the process, which may include getting a building permit, plan review and inspection. The process is designed to protect the home or building owner and the occupants. Code officials ensure that all buildings, including homes, businesses and places of public assembly are built to required building safety codes, which address structural stability, fire safety, exits, sanitation, electricity, energy efficiency and more. These building safety professionals are responsible for protecting public health, safety and welfare through effective code enforcement.

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Advancing Resilient Communities Through Science & Technology

Science and technology are leading the way for designing and constructing safe, efficient and resilient homes and buildings. Up-to-date building safety codes and standards enable technology to be incorporated into buildings while ensuring safety for lives, properties and investments.

Drones no longer are novelties, but are increasingly being used to maintain construction site security and also offer a way to inspect difficult-to-reach areas, reducing the opportunity for accidents and injuries.

Someday, robotics may be used on construction sites, overseen by skilled technicians, to handle tasks such as painting or laying masonry.

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Protecting Communities from Disasters

Making sure your family is prepared for any natural disaster is important. Below are some of the steps you can take to prepare your family and protect your home from natural disasters. Your actions can ensure that no matter what Mother Nature brings, you, your family and your community will be resilient. Here are a few tips to follow from the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes – (FLASH®) when preparing your family for any emergency:

  • Develop a family disaster plan that includes a list of food and water supplies needed for each member of your family and supplies for your pets. Make copies of important documents like insurance policies, the deed to your home, and other personal papers, important phone numbers and a home inventory. Create a checklist of important things to do before, during and after a disaster.
  • Review your evacuation route and emergency shelter locations with your family. Options for evacuation would include staying with friends and relatives, seeking commercial lodging or staying in a mass care facility operated by disaster relief groups in conjunction with local authorities.
  • Taking shelter is critical in times of disaster. Sheltering in place is appropriate when conditions require that you seek protection in your home, place of employment or other location where you are when disaster strikes.

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Safeguarding Our Water

Clean water is the world’s most precious commodity. The World Health Organization estimates 844 million people lack basic drinking-water service. In the United States, communities such as Flint, Michigan, will continue to suffer the ill effects of unsafe drinking water if we are not vigilant.

The ICC Family of Companies has several resources available to assist jurisdictions, manufacturers and the public with water conservation and efficiency. The International Code Council’s codes and standards have addressed water-related issues for decades, and we remain committed to working with member jurisdictions and industry partners to bring water efficient products to market, labeling new homes and structures as more water efficient, and spreading the word about the need for smart water use.

Improving Education & Training Standards for a Safer Tomorrow

With powerful advancements in technology and frequent discoveries of new methods for solving age-old problems, the building industry, like many industries, is constantly changing. For building safety professionals worldwide, education and training are valuable and essential aspects of professional development. Those who consistently seek out avenues to expand their knowledge often see the most career success.

Importance of Training and Professional Development

  • Sharpen the tools in the toolbox – You can never go wrong improving your current set of skills and knowledge
  • Increased productivity – Well educated employees are the most productive and display high quality performance levels
  • Improves employee morale – Feeling more confident in your skills and abilities improves your overall attitude towards work
  • Fewer mistakes and accidents – Increase your knowledge and skills and lessen the chances of errors on the job
  • Increases chances of promotion – Become a strong asset for your organization. Acquire skills and efficiency during training to become more eligible for promotion

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