|
|
|
May 5, 3008
BUILDING SAFETY WEEK PROCLAIMED IN THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS Gov. John P. deJongh, Jr. has proclaimed the week of May 5-11, 2008 as “Building Safety Week” in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Building Safety Week, sponsored by the International Code Council, reminds the public about the critical role of our communities’ largely unknown guardians of public safety – our local code officials - who help prevent countless fires and accidents. The theme “Building Safety: Where You Live, Work and Play,” encourages all Americans and residents to raise awareness of the importance of building safety; green and sustainable building; pool, spa, and hot tub safety; and new technologies in the construction industry; it presents appropriate steps everyone can take to ensure that the places where we live, learn, work and play are safe, and that countless lives have been saved due to the implementation of safety codes by local and state agencies. Through our continuing efforts to address critical safety issues in the building environment that affect our citizens, regardless of age or occupation, both in everyday life and in times of natural disaster, we are confident that our structures are safe and sound. Vigilant guardians – building safety and fire prevention officials, architects, engineers, builders, and others in the construction industry – work year-round to ensure the safe construction of buildings. These dedicated members of the International Code Council develop and implement the highest quality codes to protect Americans in the buildings where we live, learn, work and play. The International Codes, the most widely adopted building safety and fire prevention codes in the Nation, are used by most United States cities, counties, and states. These modern building safety codes also safeguard to protect the public from natural disasters such as hurricanes, snowstorms, tornadoes, wildland fires and earthquakes. This year, as we observe Building Safety Week, we ask everyone to consider projects to improve building safety at home and in the community, and to acknowledge the essential service provided to all of us by local and state building departments and federal agencies in protecting lives and property. |
