LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor David A. Paterson to
proclaim May 3-9, 2009, as Building Safety Week in the State of New York

WHEREAS, Through continuing efforts to address critical safety issues in
the built environment that affect New Yorkers, regardless of age or
occupation, both in everyday life and in times of natural disaster, it
is vital to be confident that our structures are safe and sound; and
WHEREAS, New York building safety and fire prevention officials,
architects, engineers, builders and others in the construction industry
are vigilant guardians and work year round to ensure the safe
construction of buildings here in the Empire State; and
WHEREAS, The dedicated members of the International Code Council,
including building safety and fire prevention officials, architects,
engineers, builders, and others in the construction industry, develop
and enforce codes to safeguard New Yorkers in the buildings in which
they live, work, play, and learn; and
WHEREAS, The International Codes, the most widely adopted building
safety and fire prevention codes in the Nation, are used by most United
States' cities, counties, and states; these modern building safety codes
also include safeguards to protect the public from natural disasters,
including hurricanes, snowstorms, tornadoes, wildland fires, and earth-
quakes; and
WHEREAS, Building Safety Week is sponsored by the International Code
Council Foundation, and is an excellent opportunity to educate and
remind the public about the critical role of our communities' largely
unknown guardians of public safety who help prevent countless fires and
accidents; this week is also a perfect time to increase public awareness
of the role building safety and fire prevention officials, local and
state building departments, and federal agencies play in protecting
lives and property; and
WHEREAS, The theme of the 2009 Building Safety Week is, "Building
Safety: Where You Live, Work and Play"; this year's theme encourages
all New Yorkers to raise their awareness of the importance of building
safety, green and sustainable building, pool, spa and hot tub safety,
and new technologies in the construction industry; and
WHEREAS, Everyone can take appropriate steps to ensure that the places
where New Yorkers live, work, play, and learn are safe; countless lives
have been saved due to the implementation of safety codes which have
been adopted by local and state agencies; and
WHEREAS, As Building Safety Week is observed, all New Yorkers are
requested to consider projects to improve building safety at home and in
their community, and to acknowledge the essential services provided to
all New Yorkers by local and state building departments and federal
agencies in protecting lives and property; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body reaffirms its commitment to fostering
continuing attention to building safety, and encourages all New Yorkers
to participate in Building Safety Week; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor David A. Paterson to proclaim May 3-9, 2009, as
Building Safety Week in the State of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable David A. Paterson, Governor of the State of New
York.