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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPrsntatn - Building Safety MonthWhereas, continuing efforts to address the critical issues of safety, energy efficiency, water conservation, and resilience in the built environment that affect our citizens, both in everyday life and in times of natural disaster, give us confidence that our structures are safe and sound; and Whereas, our confidence is achieved through the devotion of vigilant guardians: building safety and fire prevention officials, architects, engineers, builders, tradespeople, laborers and others in the construction industry, who work year-round to ensure the safe construction of buildings; and Whereas, these guardians, who are dedicated members of the International Code Council, use a governmental consensus process that brings together local, state and federal officials with expertise in the built environment to create and implement the highest quality codes to protect Americans in the buildings where we live, learn, work, worship, and play; and Whereas, the International Codes, the most widely adopted building safety, energy and fire prevention codes in the nation, are used by most U.S. cities, counties and states; these modern building codes also include safeguards to protect the public from natural disasters such as hurricanes, snowstorms, tornadoes, wildland fires, floods and earthquakes; 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 guardians of public safety, our local code officials, who assure us of safe, efficient and livable buildings; and Whereas, "Building Codes: Driving Growth through Innovation, Resilience and Safety" the theme for Building Safety Month 2016 encourages all Americans to raise awareness of the importance of building safe and resilient construction; fire prevention; disaster mitigation, water safety and conservation; energy efficiency and new technologies in the construction industry. Building Safety Month 2016 encourages appropriate steps everyone can take to ensure that the places where we live, learn, work, worship and play are safe and sustainable, and recognizes that countless lives have been saved due to the implementation of safety codes by local and state agencies; and Whereas, each year in observance of Building Safety Month Americans are asked to consider projects to improve building safety and sustainability 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, the City Council of the City of Palm Desert, California, does hereby proclaim the month of May, 2016 as Building Safety Month in the City of Palm Desert and encourages our citizens to join with their communities in participation in Building Safety Month activities. In 'Witness 'WhereofI have hereunto set my hand and have caused the Official Seal of the city of (Palm (Desert, California, to be affixed this 28th day ofApri4 2016. CITY OF PALM DESERT BUILDING & SAFETY DEPARTMENT INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM To: Jane Stanley, Secretary to the City Council From: Russell A. Grance, Director of Building and Safety 0-4- Date: April 18, 2016 Subject: PROCLAMATION "BUILDING & SAFETY MONTH" Approve issuing a formal proclamation observing Building Safety Month, Mav, 2016 at the April 28, 2016 City Council meeting. First observed in 1980, Building Safety Month annually raises public awareness of critical safety issues affecting every person, regardless of age or occupation. Safe and proper construction of buildings is rarely on your mind when you enter a home or building. Fortunately, the staff at the City of Palm Desert's, Department of Building & Safety, thinks about building safety and fire prevention every day. To help raise awareness, the City will be celebrating Building Safety Month during the month of May. Local activities during the month will include building department staff providing informational pamphlets, handouts, and activity books for the kids at the Building Departments counter and answer any questions that the public may have. The City of Palm Desert, Building Department will kickoff and launch activities that will focus on all topics and month -long activities will sustain the message effectiveness. The week themes for this year include: • May 2-8, • May 9-15 • May 16-22 • May 23-29 Building Solutions for All Ages The Science Behind Codes Learn from the Past, Build for Tomorrow Building Codes: A Smart Investment See enclosed sample of proclamation. Building Safety Month May, 2016 Whereas, through continuing efforts to address the critical issues of safety, energy efficiency, water conservation, and resilience in the built environment that affect our citizens, both in everyday life and in times of natural disaster, give us confidence that our structures are safe and sound, and; Whereas, our confidence is achieved through the devotion of vigilant guardians —building safety and fire prevention officials, architects, engineers, builders, tradespeople, laborers and others in the construction industry —who work year-round to ensure the safe construction of buildings, and, Whereas, these guardians —dedicated members of the International Code Council —use a governmental consensus process that brings together local, state and federal officials with expertise in the built environment to create and implement the highest -quality codes to protect Americans in the buildings where we live, learn, work, worship, play, and, Whereas, the International Codes, the most widely adopted building safety, energy and fire prevention codes in the nation, are used by most U.S. cities, counties and states, these modern building codes also include safeguards to protect the public from natural disasters such as hurricanes, snowstorms, tornadoes, wildland fires, floods and earthquakes, 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 guardians of public safety —our local code officials — who assure us of safe, efficient and livable buildings, and, Whereas, "Building Codes: Driving Growth through Innovation, Resilience and Safety" the theme for Building Safety Month 2016, encourages all Americans to raise awareness of the importance of building safe and resilient construction; fire prevention; disaster mitigation, water safety and conservation; energy efficiency and new technologies in the construction industry. Building Safety Month 2016 encourages appropriate steps everyone can take to ensure that the places where we live, learn, work, worship and play are safe and sustainable, and recognizes that countless lives have been saved due to the implementation of safety codes by local and state agencies, and, Whereas, each year, in observance of Building Safety Month, Americans are asked to consider projects to improve building safety and sustainability 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, 1, Robert Spiegel, Mayor, of the City of Palm Desert, California, do hereby proclaim the month of May 2016 as Building Safety Month Accordingly, I encourage our citizens to join with their communities in participation in Building Safety Month activities. Signature Building Solutions for All Ages WEEK ONE H May 2-8, 2016 Data from the United States Census Bureau show that there are 76.4 million baby boomers. These 76.4 million baby boomers represent close to one -quarter of the estimated U.S. population of 320 million. I Many baby boomers are nearing or entering their retirement years and making decisions about where they will live when they retire. According to a survey conducted by AARP, 89 percent of the 50-and-older population like their current homes and intend to remain in them for as long as possible. But aging in place is not just about the home. The aging of the population will affect every interior environment —private, commercial and public. For example, Q • Hospitality — restaurants, hotels and motels will need to be accessible • Workplace — offices, retail stores and other work spaces will need to provide adequate lighting, seating, technology, task areas and quiet places for older workers • Healthcare — increased need for outpatient and in -home care, accommodation for caretakers and caregivers • Retail — stores will need to be accessible and accommodate individuals using assistive devices • Multihousing/multiuse — growing demand for livable communities and urban complexes Q with easy access to health care, entertainment, shopping, etc. The Science Behind the Codes WEEK TWO H May 9-15, 2016 Have you ever wondered how a building was able to keep from falling down during an earthquake or strong wind? It's the same answer for how your home stays warm during the winter and cool during the summer. The answer is the science behind the codes. Building codes are made up of requirements for how to design and construct homes and buildings. These code requirements are based on science that involves research in many different areas, including flood proofing, fire -resistance, structural strength, wind design, sustainability, safe drinking water, airflow, energy efficiency, and more. When science reveals ways to improve an area of building safety, these findings can be included in the code requirements and standards. That is why it is important for communities to adopt the most up-to-date building codes, so new construction and remodeling or repair of existing buildings can truly benefit from the science behind the codes. Learn from the Past, Build for Tomorrow WEEK THREE H May 16-22, 2016 Prepare Your Family Making sure your family is prepared for any natural disaster is important. Below are some of the steps you can take to prepare your family and protect your home from natural disasters. Your actions can ensure that no matter what Mother Nature brings, you, your family and your community will be resilient. Here are a few tips to follow from the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes — (FLASHR) when preparing your family for any emergency. Develop a family disaster plan that includes a list of food and water supplies needed for each member of your family and supplies for your pets. Make copies of important documents like insurance policies, the deed to your home, and other personal papers, important phone numbers and a home inventory. Create a checklist of important things to do before, during and after a disaster. Review your evacuation route and emergency shelter locations with your family. Options for evacuation would include staying with friends and relatives, seeking commercial lodging, or staying in a mass care facility operated by disaster relief groups in conjunction with local authorities. Taking shelter is critical in times of disaster. Shelterinp- in place is appropriate when conditions require that you seek protection in your home, place of employment, or other location where you are when disaster strikes. Review your plan regularly. If you make changes that affect the information in your disaster plan, update it immediately. Visit America's PrevareAthon! to learn more about how to prepare for earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires, and winter storms. Help prepare your family and community with the Severe Weather Preparedness Toolkit. Building Codes: A Smart Investment WEEK FOUR H May 23-29, 2016 The biggest investment most people will ever make is when they buy a home. Homes represent security, a place where people will live, raise their families, and share life with others. Whether you own or rent a home, following the building codes during construction or remodeling can help protect your health and safety, and your investment as well. The building codes include research from experts that help ensure every phase of the construction process is done correctly. In addition to helping make your home safe, the building codes can also help make your home more energy efficient, use less water, and conserve resources. If your construction project does not comply with the codes adopted by your community, the value of your investment could be reduced. Property insurers may not cover work done without permits and inspections. If you decide to sell a home or building that has had modifications without a permit, you may be required to tear down the addition, leave it unoccupied, or make costly repairs. A property owner who can show that code requirements were strictly and consistently met —as demonstrated by a code official's carefully maintained records —has a strong ally if something happens to trigger a potentially destructive lawsuit. Your permit also allows the code official to protect the public by reducing the potential hazards of unsafe construction and ensuring public d health, safety, and welfare. By following code guidelines, the completed project will meet minimum standards of safety and will be less likely to cause injury to you, your family, your 0 friends, or future owners, plus you'll benefit from the best energy efficiency construction II techniques that will continue to pay you back for the life of your home. q Invest wisely in your home or remodeling project. It's a smart investment to build and remodel your home to the latest codes.