The Department of Land Development Services in Fairfax County is organizing a series of workshops for Building Safety Month in May. These events aim to raise awareness about building safety and coincide with the International Code Council’s annual campaign, now in its 45th year. The theme for this year is “Game On!”, which encourages participation from residents, builders, and design professionals in understanding building safety, code requirements, and preparation for natural hazards.
William D. Hicks, P.E., director of Land Development Services, emphasized the significance of Building Safety Month, stating: “Recognizing Building Safety Month every year is an important annual milestone and a great way to launch our busiest construction season, May through September.” Hicks also highlighted that building safety necessitates a committed workforce for tasks such as permitting, plan reviews, and fire suppression inspection.
The county’s events are scheduled throughout May and will cover topics like energy efficiency, safe deck construction, and the basics of permitting. Each event is free and public registration is encouraged.
Scheduled events include:
– “Residential Energy Efficiency: What You Can Do at Home” on Tuesday, May 6, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at the Herrity Building in Fairfax.
– “Deck Boot Camp: How to Build a Safe Deck in Fairfax County” on Tuesday, May 13, from 9 to 11 a.m., also at the Herrity Building.
– “Building Permits 101: What Needs a Permit and How to Apply” on Tuesday, May 20, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Sherwood Regional Library in Alexandria, and again on Wednesday, May 28, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Providence Community Center in Fairfax.
Building Safety Month aims to educate the public about the importance of building codes, which help protect against structural risks, fire hazards, and extreme weather. The themes throughout the month will also address daily impacts of building safety, support for local safety programs, preparation for natural disasters, exploration of industry careers, and future trends.
