Proclaiming May 8 - 14, 2005, as "Building Safety Week" within the City of Philadelphia and encouraging all citizens to participate in activities that improve building safety.

WHEREAS, Building safety affects many aspects of American Life. Thanks in large part to the work of building safety and fire prevention officials working together, we enjoy the comfort of structures that are safe and sound; and

WHEREAS, Countless lives have been saved through the adoption and enforcement of building safety codes by local and state agencies. Dedicated members of the International Code Council, including code officials, architects, engineers and other construction professionals, work diligently to develop and enforce the codes that safeguard all of us in buildings where we live, work, play and learn. The City of Philadelphia, which is an active participant of this code council, has adopted the International Codes, the most widely used building safety and fire prevention codes in the nation. In addition to the adoption of the International Code, the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code became effective April 9, 2004; and

WHEREAS, City Council recognizes the Department of Licenses and Inspections for the recent licensing and permitting reforms it developed in collaboration with the Philadelphia Building and Construction Trades Council to substantially improve code compliance and enforcement activities for the purpose of promoting public health and safety in our City’s construction industry; and

WHEREAS, Building Safety Week, sponsored by the International Code Council Foundation, is a wonderful opportunity to educate the public and increase awareness of the role safety and fire officials, local buildings departments and federal officials play in the first line of defense in protecting the public; and

WHEREAS, This year’s theme, “Making Homes, Schools and Workplaces Safer Together,” encourages all Americans to increase their awareness of building safety and to take appropriate steps to ensure that the places where we live, work and play are safe; and

WHEREAS, During Building Safety Week, and throughout the year, this Council urges all Philadelphians to consider projects to improve building safety at home and in the community, and to recognize the local building safety and fire prevention officials and the important role that they play in public safety; now therefore

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it has proclaimed May 8 - 14, 2005, as “Building Safety Week” within the City of Philadelphia and encourages all citizens to participate in activities that improve building safety; and

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy be given to the Department of Licenses and Inspections as evidence of this body’s sincere appreciation in promoting building safety.

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