The annual campaign encourages the public to learn about and get involved in building safety with this year’s theme of Game On!
Month: February 2025
The International Code Council’s 45th Annual Building Safety Month Campaign to Kick Off First Week of May
Colorado Advances Application of Off-Site Construction Through Adoption of International Code Council Standards
Colorado becomes fifth state in the past year to adopt ICC/MBI Standards 1200 and 1205, the second to adopt ICC/MBI Standard 1210 and the first to adopt Guideline 6.
2024 BSM – Member – Printable Materials
Printable Materials
This page is sponsored by 
Are you hosting an in-person event, giving a classroom presentation or do you have a display shelf or countertop for educational materials? Below you'll find printable materials including our Building Safety Month brochure, as well as content specific to each weekly theme. If you'd like to bulk order printed brochures and resources, head over to Building Safety Month shop.
General Printable Materials
2024 BSM – Member – Social Media Hub
Social Media Hub
Social media plays an important role in amplifying Building Safety Month messaging – it's a great way to engage with your followers, share new information and get people involved. Here we've put together easy-to-incorporate best practices for the top social media platforms to help you spread the word about building safety. Also, scroll to the bottom of the page, or click here, to find instructions on how to best record video for a social media post.
Facebook – Tips for Success
Facebook has the widest audience and the most active users of any social media platform.
Keep these tips in mind:
- Write with a clear and concise voice that is easy to understand.
- Use between 40 and 80 characters in a post, and remember, the shorter the better!
- Use high-quality images or videos to capture the attention of your followers.
- Interact with your followers by asking a question, including a link, etc.
- Include the #BuildingSafety365 hashtag, and no more than three hashtags per post.
- It is recommended to post on Facebook no more than once a day.
Sample Facebook Post
Instagram – Tips for Success
Instagram is a popular photo and video sharing platform that connects people who have similar interests and/or aspirations.
Keep these tips in mind:
- Use high-quality videos and photos that are high resolution and cropped correctly.
- Use between 138 and 150 characters per post.
- Keep your captions concise and relatable.
- Use at least 10 to 15 hashtags per Instagram post (but no more than 30 hashtags) to increase visibility and engagement.
- Utilize Instagram Stories and other video features, such as Reels or IGTV, to diversify your content and increase view.
- It is recommended to post on Instagram three to five times a week, and no more than once a day.
Sample Instagram Post
LinkedIn – Tips for Success
LinkedIn is a professional networking platform most commonly used for job searching and career development. It is popular with individuals, companies and organizations for business-related purposes such as networking, recruitment and industry highlights.
Keep these tips in mind:
- Keep your posts professional and relevant to your industry.
- Keep your character count per post under 300 to maximize engagement.
- Include images or videos to make your posts more interesting.
- Try to position yourself as a thought leader – share insightful recommendations, experiences or tips.
- Use a clear and concise headline to grab your readers’ attention.
- It is recommended to post between three to five times a week on LinkedIn, and no more than once a day.
- It is recommended to use no more than three hashtags per post.
Sample LinkedIn Post
X – Tips for Success
X is used for sharing short messages, called posts. Used by both individuals and organizations, X is known for its fast-paced conversations and its use of hashtags to categorize and follow specific topics or events in real-time.
Please make sure to…
- Keep your posts short and sweet, ideally under 280 characters.
- Use images or videos to make your posts stand out.
- Use relevant hashtags (no more than three) to increase the visibility of your posts.
- Engage with your followers and other X users by responding to posts and reposting content.
Sample X Post
What are hashtags and why do we use them?
Hashtags are keywords or phrases used on social media that are preceded by the pound sign (#). Hashtags help new people find your content.
Video – Tips for Success
Video has quickly become an important part of social media, and creating quality video content has never been easier. Follow these tips to record better videos.
Location
Choose an environment that is quiet and where you will not get interrupted. Also make sure the location you pick has reliable, high-speed internet.
Camera
Most cellphone cameras and laptop webcams now record in high enough resolution for basic webinar and social media use. Make sure the camera is recording horizontal, unless you're filming an Instagram Reel, YouTube Short or TikTok video.
Audio and Microphone
For audio, you can use either wired or wireless earbuds (best solution) or your computer’s internal mic.
Lighting
To look your best in a video, make sure the environment is not too dark and that your face is clearly visible. Conversely, do not position a glaring light directly on your face. We recommend recording a test video to make sure your face or attire isn't washed out by the light in the room.
Background
You can either go with a natural background or a Building Safety Month branded background.
- If you choose a natural background (the environment you are in), make sure the wall behind you is not too cluttered or distracting.
- If you prefer a branded Building Safety Month video call background, they will be available soon.
2024 BSM – Member – Promotional Toolkit
Promotional Toolkit
The success of Building Safety Month depends on the efforts and involvement of code professionals, teachers and community members like you. From sending a news release to a local media outlet, to hosting a virtual classroom presentation on building safety, here we've gathered all the tips and resources you'll need to promote Building Safety Month in your community and beyond.
Steps to Success
Make it a movement, make some noise and make it fun – every action you take plays a part in spreading the word about building safety. Here we've listed some of our most popular and effective promotion tips. Download our "Campaign Promotion Guide" for more ideas:
- Get your community leaders on board as supporters and request that your governor, state cabinet officers and/or your county/city councils and mayor issue proclamations declaring May Building Safety Month.
- Engage spokespersons from your local building or fire department to give talks on building safety throughout the month in schools, civic clubs and more.
- Use the resources on our Kids Corner page to help kids understand what building safety professionals do and how they make our homes and communities safer for everyone.
Building Safety Month Campaign Promotion Guide
Download pdf
Media Outreach
Local television news networks, radio stations, newspapers and hometown social media accounts are always looking for a story – use the media outreach tips below, and download our "Press Release" and "Letter to the Editor" templates to encourage coverage of your events.
- Call or text local reporters to cover your scheduled events.
- Post event details on your social media platforms and websites well in advance and post a reminder the day before.
- Send a press release encouraging local media to cover your Building Safety Month activities.
- Designate someone in your department or find a local dignitary to be your spokesperson for media interviews.
Building Safety Month Press Release Template
Download Word doc
Building Safety Month Letter to Editor Template
Download Word doc
Digital Assets
Below you will find Building Safety Month 2024 digital assets, including the poster, weekly icons, web banners and video call backgrounds.
To view our collection of printable brochures, infographics and one-sheets, click here.
2024 BSM – Member – Event Resources
Event Resources
The International Code Council encourages code professionals, building departments, teachers and community members to host in-person and virtual learning events for Building Safety Month. These events are an effective way to help raise the profile of building safety professionals and the work they do in our communities, and highlight how building codes help keep us all safe.
While no two events look the same, here you'll find resources for in-person events and webinars that cover all the basics so you can focus on what matters most – connecting with your audience and attendees.
In-Person Events
There are no substitutes for an in-person event – audiences are often more engaged and hosts can offer a truly unique experience to attendees. For Building Safety Month, in-person events can range from educational events or construction site walkthroughs, to mock inspections or classroom presentations at a local school.
Here are some tips to keep in mind when planning and executing your in-person events for Building Safety Month.
- Schedule panelists or speakers as soon as you have a rough outline for the event.
- Choose a venue or location that can meet your attendance goals.
- Promote your event four to six weeks in advance through social media, email invitations, advertisements, etc.
- Consider including a virtual component so people can also attend from home.
- Run through your agenda beforehand with all parties and note timing or any sticking points.
- Observe state and local guidelines for safety best practices and restrictions.
- At least one week before, "walk through" the event as if you are an attendee – from the moment they arrive to when they leave – to make sure you haven't missed anything.
Tips for Hosting an In‑Person
Building Safety Month Event
Download pdf
Virtual Events
Virtual events are more cost-effective, easy to set up and can be attended from the comfort of home.
We've listed a few tips for hosting a virtual Building Safety Month event below, and be sure to download our complete webinar guide for more information.
- Leverage subject matter experts as you brainstorm topics and develop content.
- Choose a platform and set up a registration page (WebEx, Click Meeting, Zoom, etc.) that includes speaker information, the agenda, etc.
- Start promoting four to six weeks in advance and use social media, email invitations and your website to share your registration page link.
- Organize and test prior to the event, including testing internet reliability, sound, mics and computer issues.
- Follow up with attendees after the event to provide next steps and ask for feedback.
2024 Building Safety Month Sponsors
Sponsors
The International Code Council is grateful for the companies and organizations that are making building safety a priority by sponsoring Building Safety Month.
For more information on becoming a sponsor see the Sponsorship Options page.
Foundation Sponsor
The American Gas Association, founded in 1918, represents more than 200 local energy companies that deliver clean natural gas throughout the United States. There are more than 78 million residential, commercial and industrial natural gas customers in the U.S., of which 95 percent — more than 74 million customers — receive their gas from AGA members. Today, natural gas meets one-third of the United States' energy needs.
www.aga.org
Member Resources Sponsor
Verisk’s Building Code Effectiveness Grading Schedule (BCEGS®) assesses community building codes and their enforcement, with special emphasis on mitigation of losses from natural hazards. Municipalities with well-enforced, up-to-date codes should demonstrate better loss experience, which can be reflected in lower insurance rates. The prospect of lessening catastrophe-related damage and ultimately lowering insurance costs provide an incentive for communities to enforce their building codes rigorously — especially as they relate to windstorm and earthquake damage. The anticipated benefits are safer buildings, less damage, and lower insured losses from catastrophes.
www.verisk.com
Theme Week Co-Sponsors
4LEAF, Inc. was established in 1999 and incorporated in 2001. Our extensive team of engineers and managers are fully equipped with the training and experience required to perform the plan review, project inspection, on-call inspection, code enforcement, planning, and disaster recovery services they provide to municipal Building, Public Works, Planning and Fire Departments. Because of our goal of setting the industry standard for excellent customer service, we have grown to more than 400 personnel throughout the United States.
www.4leafinc.com
Founded in 1904 and headquartered in Farmington Hills, Michigan, USA, the American Concrete Institute is a leading authority and resource worldwide for the development, dissemination, and adoption of its consensus-based standards, technical resources, educational programs, and proven expertise for individuals and organizations involved in concrete design, construction, and materials, who share a commitment to pursuing the best use of concrete.
www.concrete.org
Bureau Veritas is the nation’s leading provider of code compliance and building safety services. Providing these services allow our clients to better serve the needs of their customers and assists them in the honorable duty of protecting the health, life, and safety of the people, structures, and environment within the jurisdiction. Our team takes this responsibility very seriously. All of our services are performed by licensed, certified and experienced professionals in their fields of expertise.
www.bvna.com
The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) is a nonprofit organization made up of the architectural licensing boards of 55 U.S. states and territories. In collaboration with jurisdictional architect licensing boards, NCARB facilitates the licensure and credentialing of architects to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public.
www.ncarb.org
NMHC is the place where the leaders of the apartment industry come together to guide their future success. With the industry’s most prominent and creative leaders at the helm, NMHC provides a forum for insight, advocacy and action that enable both members and the communities they build to thrive.
www.nmhc.org
Simpson Strong-Tie is the world leader in structural solutions — products and technology that help people design and build safer, stronger homes, buildings, and communities. As a pioneer in the building industry, we have an unmatched passion for problem solving through skillful engineering and thoughtful innovation. Our structural systems research and rigorous testing enable us to design code-listed, value-engineered solutions for a multitude of applications in wood, steel, and concrete structures. Our dedication to pursuing ever-better construction products and technology and to surrounding our customers with exceptional service and support has been core to our mission since 1956.
www.strongtie.com
Tyler’s civic services solutions are purpose-built for local governments to create safer, stronger, and more vibrant communities. They allow you to work with citizens efficiently and effectively, enabling your agency and community to thrive. Automated government operations allow new businesses in your community to safely build, open their doors, and stay in compliance. Mobile solutions bring automation to the field, so your employees perform their jobs more proficiently and successfully. You can rely on our business management and community development software to break down silos for the best workflow experience around planning, licensing, permitting, regulatory management, inspections, and code enforcement.
www.tylertech.com
Supporters
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2024 Building Safety Month News
Building Safety Month News and Highlights
Press Releases, News Articles and Highlights
Press Releases
- The International Code Council’s 44th Annual Building Safety Month Campaign to Kick Off First Week of May
- Help Keep the Places We Live, Work and Play Safe with Week One of Building Safety Month
- Prepare Your Home for Natural Disasters with Week Two of Building Safety Month
- Building Safety Month Gives a Glimpse into the World of Building Safety Professionals
- Advocate for Change During Week Four of Building Safety Month
- Celebrate With The International Code Council During Week Five of Building Safety Month
News Articles
- Join Us in Celebrating Building Safety Month
- How to Participate in Building Safety Month 2024
- City of South Lake Tahoe joins International Code Council for the celebration of Building Safety Month
- May is Building Safety Month
- Tucson Joins International Code Council in Celebrating 44th Building Safety Month
- FEMA Recognizes National Building Safety Month During May: Highlights Building Professionals Who Make Our Built Environment More Resilient
- FEMA's Commitment to Building Safety Month
- Malheur County declares May 'Building Safety month'
- Letter to the Editor: The Importance of Recognizing Building Safety Month
- County Council Proclaims May ‘Building Safety Month’
- Palm Beach County Proclaims May Building Safety Month in 44th Annual Observance
- Tennessee Governor Bill Lee Proclaims May as Building Safety Month for Enhanced Community Protection
- Building Safety 101: Understanding the Basics for a Safer Tomorrow
- Call For Renewed Focus on Building Safety on International Building Safety Day
- Building Safety Month, Week 4: Promote Building Safety within Communities
- Week Five of Building Safety Month: Sharing Success Stories
- Burnham Nationwide Promotes Safety and Compliance During ICC Building Safety Month
About Building Safety Month
About Building Safety Month
Building Safety Month is an international campaign that takes place in May to raise awareness about building safety. This campaign reinforces the need for the adoption of modern, regularly-updated building codes, and helps individuals, families and businesses understand what it takes to create safe and sustainable structures.
The International Code Council, its members, and a diverse partnership of professionals from the building construction, design and safety communities come together with corporations, government agencies, professional associations and nonprofits to promote building safety through proclamations, informational events, legislative briefings and more. We come together to support Building Safety Month because we understand the need for safe and sustainable structures where we live, work and play.
All communities need building codes to protect their citizens from disasters like fires, weather-related events and structural collapse. Building codes are society's best way of protecting homes, offices, schools, manufacturing facilities, stores and entertainment venues. Code officials work day in and day out to keep the public safe.
History
Since 1980, we have celebrated advances in constructing safe, sustainable, affordable and resilient buildings and homes. The ongoing support of Building Safety Month and the important role code officials play in public safety in the built environment has come from U.S. presidents, governors, mayors, county executives, other government officials and construction industry professionals.
2024 Building Safety Month Kids Corner
Kids Corner
Hi! I’m CODiE. Welcome to Kids Corner. I’m here to teach you about building safety.
Download and complete the exercises in the Activity Book below – ask your parents to review them with you. You can download all the activities at once or one by one. Once you’re done, you will have officially completed your training and earned your certificate as a Junior Code Official!
There's also a Building Safety in Your Home Checklist that you can go through as a family to make sure your home is safe.
Classroom Presentation (K–3)
Kids’ Proclamation
New for 2024, kids can now submit a proclamation to show their support for Building Safety Month!
Step 1: Download the proclamation here.
Step 2: Complete the proclamation.
Step 3: Upload your proclamation in the form below, or click here.
Step 4: Check back here to see your uploaded proclamation. Allow two business days to see your proclamation posted.
