Update on Deadly Weekend Tornadoes

The International Code Council is coordinating with its federal, state, and local partners to help following the devastating tornadoes that swept across Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee this past weekend. The Code Council extends its deepest sympathies to all those affected, particularly those who lost loved ones during these tragic events.

To our affected members, we are committed to supporting you in any way possible during your time of need, including coordinating resources for post-disaster building safety assessments, supplemental staffing, or other needs as they arise.

Jurisdictions may request assistance here through the Disaster Response Alliance (DRA). The DRA maintains a national database of skilled, trained, and certified building safety professionals. Information on FEMA’s post-disaster recovery resources for code officials, including post-disaster assistance for code enforcement, training, and conducting substantial damage inspections, is available here. If your department, agency, or community are in need of assistance, please reach out directly to us through your regional Government Relations representative.

With the U.S. and the world focusing on the tragedy in Kentucky, Illinois, and other affected states from these storms, the Code Council reminds those examining their safety infrastructure in the wake of these disasters that building codes and standards play an essential role in saving lives. The International Codes (I-Codes) include useful and lifesaving provisions for wind-resistant design and construction of buildings, including the ICC 500 - ICC/National Storm Shelter Association (NSSA) Standard for the Design and Construction of Storm Shelters. For more information on tornado safety, we encourage you to visit the Code Council’s Tornado and Safety Recovery page.

Disasters like this past weekend’s tornadoes are an unfortunate reminder of the importance of building safety and community resilience and the essential role building safety professionals, building codes and standards, and supporting resources play in protecting lives and livelihoods. The Code Council remains a committed partner in helping advance these ideals and supporting our members who work to advance them every day.