WHEREAS, Alaskans are 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 can only be achieved through the dedication 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 committed members of the International Code Council, a nonprofit that brings together building safety professionals and lawmakers to create and implement the highest quality codes to protect us in the buildings where we live, learn, work, and play; and
WHEREAS, our communities benefit economically and technologically from using modern, up-to-date codes and standards, including the International 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 study by the U.S. National Institute of Building Sciences, provide $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 public safety, our local code officials, who assure us of safe, efficient, and livable buildings that are essential to our prosperity; and
WHEREAS, “Safer Buildings, Safer Communities, Safer World,” the theme for Building Safety Month 2020, encourages all individuals to raise awareness about the importance of safe and resilient construction; fire prevention; disaster mitigation, and new technologies in the construction industry.
NOW THEREFORE, I, Mike Dunleavy, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF ALASKA, do hereby proclaim May 2020 as:
Building Safety Month
in Alaska, and encourage all Alaskans to consider committing to improving building safety and economic investment at home and in the community, and to acknowledge the essential services provided to all of us by building departments, fire prevention bureaus, and other agencies to protect our lives and property.
