May 1 through May 31 is Building Safety Month.  The International Code Council encourages communities to celebrate this month and learn more about how building and fire codes help make communities safer.  During the month of May, communities will focus on a weekly theme. 

Week 1 (May 1-10) is "Safe Homes, Strong Communities"

Focusing on simple actions homeowners can take to improve safety at home.  These simple tips can help safe lives.

 Make sure electrical cords are in good working order and throw out any cords that are frayed or damaged. Never overload an electrical socket.

Pool Lanai with screen enclosure. Akurtz, Getty Images, licensed Pro Content from Canva Teams

Avoid falls by maintaining handrails for stairs and steps, fixing uneven floors, and provide adequate lighting both inside and outside the house.

Replace smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector batteries on a routine basis.  Don't want until the low battery alarm rings at 2:00 a.m.  

Man Installing Smoke Detector, machineheadz, Getty Images Signature, licensed Pro Content from Canva Teams

 Week 2 (May 11-17) is "Voices of the Build Environment"

Spotlighting building safety professionals and the roles they play in keeping communities safe. 

Bryan County has two building inspectors, a Building Official, and a Fire Marshal.   The Building Official and building inspectors have certifications for inspections related to residential and commercial building, including mechanical, electrical, and plumbing.  They inspect all phases of the building from the foundation to the roof and all parts in between.  They ensure residential and commercial buildings meet minimum building code standards for items such as wind, load strength for trusses, and electrical panels.   The code books used by our staff total 4,600 pages

The Fire Marshal enforces the life safety codes, which relate to fire prevention improvements, such as sprinklers and fire extinguishers, and minimum standards for egress from buildings.  The Fire Marshal enforces the standards and requirements identified in the National Fire Prevention Association Code books.  These code books address standard fire codes and topics such as foam, flammable and combustible liquids, dry cleaning facilities, and storage of plastics and hazardous materials.  

On average, these individuals, collectively, perform 8,100 inspections and review approximately 1,000 permits a year.  Building permits reviewed and building structures inspected range from fences greater than 7 feet in height to industrial warehouse buildings exceeding one million square feet.  The County inspectors will work outside traditional work hours to inspect night foundation pours and approve power releases for property owners, who might otherwise have no power over a weekend.  When the County experiences a natural disaster, these individuals meet with property owners to determine the extent of the damage, and explain how property owners may safely occupy their residences and operate their businesses while repairs are being made.

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