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| ICC Testifies in Support of Safe Housing for Homeless Veterans HR 2065 would require homeless veterans' facilities to be code compliant.  The International Code Council (ICC) encouraged Congressional support for the Safe Housing for Homeless Veterans Act (HR 2065) in testimony before the Committee on Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Health. HR 2065 seeks to amend Title 38 of the United States Code to require recipients of per diem payments from the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for the provision of services for homeless veterans to comply with codes relevant to operations and level of care provided, and for other purposes. The nonpartisan bill is sponsored by Rep. David McKinley of West Virginia and Rep. Grace Napolitano of California.“Those of us who work to achieve building safety at both the state and local level appreciate the concern that this bill has for the welfare of our veterans, who are living in housing subsidized by the Department of Veterans Affairs,” said ICC Board Member Robert Drexler testifying before the subcommittee. “The codes assure that when faced with the hazards including fire, windstorm, flooding, and normal or daily use, the building will allow for residents and users to survive, and for first responders to safely rescue building occupants, and minimize property damage.” Continue reading story ICC Board Member Robert Drexler (right) testifies before the Committee on Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Health on the Safe Housing for Homeless Veterans Act. |
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Safety Industry Mourns Loss of Arizona Wildfire Firefighters The deaths of 19 heroes battling an Arizona wildfire serve as a tragic reminder to continue the efforts to provide advances in safety, equipment, training and code compliance to reduce firefighter and occupant deaths. Historically, lessons learned from past fire disasters have been turned into advances in fire safety."Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the 19 firefighters, Prescott Fire Chief Dan Fraijo and the community of Prescott, Ariz., as we mourn the loss of the wildland crew from Prescott," said International Code Council Board Member M. Dwayne Garriss, Georgia State Fire Marshal. "Fire can be such a destructive, devastating and unforgiving force even to those who have been trained to deal with its energy." Eleven on-duty firefighters died in association with wildland fires in 2012, the same as 2011 and 2010, according to provisional 2012 firefighter fatality statistics from the U.S. Fire Administration. "Our deepest condolences go out the families, fire departments and communities of the 19 firefighters who lost their lives battling the Arizona wildfire," said Code Council Board Member Robert Drexler, Greece, N.Y., Fire Marshal. "May the nation pause and recognize the tremendous commitment these true professionals gave while performing their duties. We pray for the safety of the others still battling this fire and wish all a safe return back home." Continue reading story |
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Inspector of Collapsed Philadelphia Building Commits Suicide Our thoughts, prayers and condolences go out to the family of ICC Member Ronald Wagenhoffer.Six people died and 13 were injured on June 5 when a four-story building under demolition in Center City Philadelphia came down on top of a two-story building, which housed a Salvation Army Thrift Store. The lead building inspector committed suicide following the deadly building collaspe. Department of Licenses & Inspections Commissioner Carlton Williams called Wagenhoffer an outstanding employee. "He was a dedicated civil servant who did his job. He started in the Department of Public Property and moved his way up through the ranks as one of our top code officials in the Department of Licenses & Inspections." Excavator operator Kane R. Robert, also known as Sean Benschop, stands charged in the collapse. Investigators with the District Attorney's homicide unit say he tested positive for the pain killer Percocet and marijuana on the day of the collapse. They allege he was in no condition to operate heavy machinery. A grand jury has been convened to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collapse. Read more from NBC Philadelphia |
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Upland Man Accused of Trying to Bribe Two Building Inspectors Hossein Maraghi Fallah from Upland, Calif., is accused of offering one city building inspector money and putting $200 in the pocket of a second city inspector, according to police officials. Upland police investigators were contacted by someone from the city of Upland Building Department reporting the alleged crime. |
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