May is proclaimed Building Safety Month for Wisconsin

Even before COVID-19 forced homes to become entire worlds, they were shelter for everything from rain and cold, to tornado and blizzard. In more normal times, people went to offices to work and schools to learn. In spare time, they ventured to public buildings – grocery stores, restaurants, movie theaters and hotels – for the business and pleasure of life.

While COVID-19 has introduced a new wariness about the spread of disease, people can still circulate through buildings of all kinds with a sense of security against other kinds of risks. That security comes from strong codes and code enforcement, which are at the heart of Building Safety Month.

“We, as a government, take building safety seriously,” said Gov. Tony Evers. “We anticipate potential risks and threats and take steps to avoid them.”

As such, Evers issued a proclamation, declaring May Building Safety Month in Wisconsin.

“And when we do that, Wisconsin residents do not have to worry whether the water coming from the tap is safe to drink or whether there are enough exits in the theater if there is a fire,” said Evers. “They can – in more normal times, obviously– simply go about their lives. Right now, as always, they can feel safe and secure in their homes.”

In Wisconsin, the Department of Safety and Professional Services (DPS), performs or assigns the bulk of critical functions that promote building safety in the state. From reviewing building plans to inspecting electrical, fire suppression, plumbing and other systems during construction, to annual inspection, and permitting of boilers and elevators, DSPS employees ensure that Wisconsin buildings are safe and sound.

Also, the DSPS administers, and works closely with, the committees and councils that review, and adopt the codes that establish safety requirements for a wide range of buildings in the state.

“Safety is not a matter of chance,” said DSPS Secretarydesignee Dawn Crim. “It is a matter of choice and action. Through our codes, we establish the minimum thresholds that safety requires and through our plan review, inspection and permitting processes, we ensure that those standards are met throughout the state.”

Building Safety Month is an annual international campaign to raise awareness about building safety and the role of building codes, in protecting citizens from fires, natural disasters or structural collapse. It is run by the 64,000-member International Code Council, which is a partnership of building construction, design and safety professionals.

“It is not an exaggeration to say that this is life-and-death work,” said Crim. “Our staff does it every day, and their skill and expertise benefit every Wisconsin resident and visitor. I appreciate Gov. Evers’ proclamation. It acknowledges our efforts to promote building safety, and their value to Wisconsin communities and residents.”