AR248

An Assembly Resolution designating the month of May, 2019 as “Building Safety Month” in New Jersey.

Whereas, New Jersey is committed to recognizing that our growth and strength depends on the safety and economic value of the homes, buildings and infrastructure that serve our citizens, both in everyday life and in times of natural disaster; and

Whereas, Our confidence in the structural integrity of these buildings that make up our community is achieved through the devotion of vigilant guardians - building safety and fire prevention officials, architects, engineers, builders, tradespeople, design professionals, laborers, plumbers, and others in the construction industry - who work year-round to ensure the safe construction of buildings; and

Whereas, These guardians are dedicated members of the International Code Council, a U.S. based organization that brings together local, state and federal officials that are experts in the built environment to create and implement the highest-quality codes to protect us in the buildings where we live, learn, work, and play; and

Whereas, Our nation benefits economically and technologically from using the International Codes that are developed by a national, voluntary consensus codes and standards developing organization, and our government is able to avoid the high cost and complexity of developing and maintaining these codes, which are the most widely adopted building safety and fire prevention codes in the world; and

Whereas, These modern building codes include safeguards to protect the public from natural disasters such as hurricanes, snowstorms, tornadoes, wildland fires, floods and earthquakes, which, according to a FEMA-commissioned study by the National Institute of Building Science, provides $11 in future mitigation benefits for every dollar invested; and

Whereas, “Building Safety Month” is sponsored by the International Code Council to remind the public about the critical role of our communities’ largely unknown protectors of the public safety - our local code officials - who assure us of safe, efficient and livable buildings that are essential to America’s prosperity; and

Whereas, The theme for Building Safety Month 2019, “No Code. No Confidence.”, encourages all Americans to raise awareness of the importance of safe and resilient construction, fire prevention, disaster mitigation, and new technologies in the construction industry, encourages appropriate steps everyone can take to ensure the safety of our built environment, and recognizes that the implementation of safety codes by local and state agencies has saved lives and protected homes and businesses; and

Whereas, In observance of Building Safety Month, Americans are asked to consider the commitment to improve building safety and economic investment at home and in the community, and to acknowledge the essential service provided to all of us by local and state building departments, fire prevention bureaus and federal agencies in protecting lives and property; now, therefore,

Be It Resolved by the General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

1. May, 2019 is hereby designated as “Building Safety Month” in New Jersey.

2. The State’s residents are encouraged to participate in “Building Safety Month” activities that may be offered throughout the State.

3. Copies of this resolution, as filed with the Secretary of State, shall be transmitted by the Clerk of the General Assembly to the Commissioner of Community Affairs, and to every county and municipality in the State.

STATEMENT

This resolution designates May, 2019 as “Building Safety Month” in New Jersey to honor local and State code officials who are responsible for ensuring that buildings constructed in the State are safe, efficient and livable, and to acknowledge the essential service provided to all State residents by these code officials as well as fire prevention bureaus and federal agencies that have an important, every day role in protecting lives and property in New Jersey.