The buildings we work and live in hold memories and promise, but if we can't count on the safety of those structures, the memories can be harrowing -and the promise ruined.  From May 7^th through May 13, the Washtenaw County Building Department will be a part of the worldwide celebration of Building Safety Week, raising public awareness of just how important the enforcement and understanding of building safety and fire prevention codes are to lives and property. “Building a Safer World Together” is the theme of Building Safety Week 2006.

Building code regulations in Washtenaw County help ensure that homes, schools, workplaces and other buildings are as safe as possible. Codes address all aspects of construction including structural integrity, electrical, mechanical, plumbing systems and property maintenanc e.

“Safe buildings don’t happen by chance,” says Washtenaw County Director of Building Services, Scott McDonald. “Building and code officials are here to help the public understand building safety issues. And in this age of do-it-yourselfers, it becomes extremely important for homeowners to work with the local building departments to make sure their residence fully complies with building safety codes.”

During Building Safety week, local events will allow you to meet some of the people, and see some of the work that goes into making our buildings safe:

• Inspection of New Home Construction
  Tuesday, May 9^th - 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM– Harwood Farms, PittsfieldTownship
  Corner of Warner Roadand Michigan Avenue
  Peters Buildings Company will provide two homes, one that is in the rough stage and one in the final stage for us to walk through and inspect. The homes are conveniently located in the “Harwood Farms” subdivision in Pittsfield Township; Join us during a “rough” and a “final” inspection and then try to perform your own rough and final building inspection. Coloring books for kids and pop and hotdogs for participants, while they last!
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• Washtenaw County Building Department Open House
  Thursday, May 11th  - 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM - Washtenaw County Western Service Center
  705 N. Zeeb Road, Scio Township
  Take a guided tour of Department Operations and see a demonstration of how buildings become safe in Washtenaw County, from application intake to plan review to permit issuance. Snacks and refreshments will be available, and coloring activities for the kids.

For more information on local Building Safety Week events or activities, please contact any of Washtenaw County’s Building Inspectors at 222-3900, or contact Scott McDonald, or call him at 222-3868.