All communities need building codes to protect their citizens from disasters like fires, weather-related events and structural collapse. Building codes are society's best way of protecting homes, offices, schools, stores, manufacturing facilities, and entertainment venues.

Building Safety Month is an international campaign that takes place in May to raise awareness about building safety and reinforce the need for the adoption of  modern, regularly updated building codes. Bartlett’s building division observes Building Safety Month each May to highlight the building and fire codes that protect both the economic value and the structural integrity of the homes and buildings in the village.

These modern building codes, developed by the International Code Council, www.iccsafe.org, and implemented by the building division through permitting and inspections, also include safeguards for natural disasters, such as snowstorms, tornadoes, wild fires, floods and earthquakes.

Building Safety Month 2024 will explore how building safety impacts all of us on personal, local and global levels. The weekly themes for this year’s campaign are:

May 1 to 5: Week One
"Understanding the Mission" covers the basics of building safety. It’s mission critical – building safety is the responsibility of us all.

May 6 to 12: Week Two
"Preparing a Building Safety Plan" highlights the things we can do at home to stay safe, such as fire and water safety tips; home maintenance best practices; how to prepare for a disaster; how to plan ahead to limit damage to buildings from natural hazards in your community; and how to be more sustainable to ensure a cleaner and greener tomorrow.

May 13 to 19: Week Three
"Learning from the Pros" looks into the world of building safety professionals and also provides examples of when you should call a building safety professional, specifically for permitting, home renovations or buying a house.

May 20 to 26: Week Four
"Engaging Your Community" shares how we all have a part to play in making sure the places where we live, work and play are safe for ourselves, and for family, friends and neighbors.

May 27 to 31: Week Five
"Celebrating Success in Building Safety" highlights individuals and communities who are making a difference in building safety not just in May, but all year long.