5 Ways Building Codes Protect You and Your Family
April 15th, 2009
Smoke Detectors
Building codes require smoke detectors in each bedroom and on each level of homes including basements to warn occupants of smoke and fire.
Stair Rails
Building codes address the size and spacing of ballisters and handrails to prevent children from falling or getting their heads stuck.
Emergency Escape and Rescue Openings
Building codes require bedrooms to have at least one emergency escape to the outside including bedrooms in basements.
Ground Fault and Arc Fault Circuit Interrrupters
Ground fault protected outlets (GFCI) protect you in wet locations such as bathrooms, kitchens, or outdoors. Arc fault protected circuits are required in bedrooms and as of January 1, 2009 in most other rooms in a residence to protect against faulty appliance cords from starting electrical fires.
Scald Protection
Building codes require anti- scalding or mixing valves in the shower to prevent burn injury.
Building Safety Week is Approaching
This year it is May 3-9, 2009. Building Safety week is promoted by the International Code Council to heighten public awareness of the importance of building codes and how they keep us safe in our everyday lives. To learn more about it visit www.buildingsafetyweek.org. There are brochures on a variety of topics including mold prevention and green building, that are free to download.
Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment »
October 6th, 2010 at 4:21 am
some smoke detectors use radioactive materials, we should avoid those smoke detectors:”