Stafford County Celebrates Building Safety Month

May is Building Safety Month - a time to spotlight the codes and practices that keep Stafford County's homes, schools and workplaces safe. From fire protection to storm resilience, building codes help ensure structures can withstand life's unexpected challenges.

Why It Matters
Modern building codes save lives and reduce costly damage during disasters. In fact, communities with up-to-date codes have avoided over $132 billion in losses in just two decades. Stafford County follows these codes closely to keep resident's safe - every inspection, permit and project is built on that foundation.

Fire Safety Tips
How to protect homes and loved ones:

• Install smoke alarms on every level and in every bedroom.
• Test alarms and replace batteries yearly.
• Create and practice a fire escape plan.
• Keep flammable items away from heaters.
• Clear dry leaves and brush from yards and gutters.

Simple Upgrades to Strengthen Homes

• Anchor utilities - elevate your electrical and heating systems above flood level.
• Waterproof basements - use sump pumps and backflow valves.
• Stormproof windows - add shutters or impact-resistant glass.
• Reinforce your roof - secure loose shingles and install roof strapping.
• Check for insurance incentives - many offer discounts for resilience upgrades.

Residents of Stafford County can rest assured that the number one priority of Stafford County's Department of Development Services and code compliance personnel is using every tool they can to ensure the safety of new and existing structures. Built on a solid foundation of decades of construction knowledge and experience, model building codes are updated every three years and incorporate new information, such as results of post-disaster research. The permitting and inspection process ensures that industry standards for safety are being met. Find out more about Development Services at Stafford County by visiting: https://staffordcountyva.gov/cdsc.