FEMA's Urban Search and Rescue Teams from Missouri Task Force 1 look at maps to look for Lumberton, N.C., residents that may be stranded in a neighborhood that was flooded following Hurricane Matthew. Photo: Jocelyn Augustino|FEMA

Assistance available for Matthew flooding.

As North Carolina and other jurisdictions brace for and confront flooding and tens of thousands evacuations following Hurricane Matthew, assistance is available through the International Code Council's Disaster Response Network. The network provides building safety professionals an opportunity to volunteer to help affected jurisdictions with building damage assessments, building inspections and other code-related functions. Jurisdictions can request a list of volunteers who can help with post-disaster efforts by calling 888-ICC-SAFE (888-422-7233), ext. 5238.

FEMA embraces current building codes as essential to smart disaster resilience.

A recent update to FEMA's Recovery Policy FP-104-009-4 mandates use of the most recent editions of the International Building Code, International Existing Building Code, and International Residential Code as a condition for recovery assistance. Read ICC's Bryan Soukup's article about it on Linkedin.

Still time to register for ICC Annual Conference.

Registration remains open for ICC's 2016 Annual Conference, Group B Public Comment Hearings, and Building Safety & Design Expo, Oct. 16-26 in Kansas City, Mo. This year's conference includes special presentations, fascinating tours, education sessions, networking opportunities, the latest industry technology and products, and several other events that will make it a professionally rewarding and enjoyable experience. The conference host committee has worked hard to offer an exciting week in Kansas City. We look forward to seeing you there!

Follow the hearings, other events online in real time.

Can't attend the Group B Public Comment Hearings or ICC's 2016 Annual Conference in Kansas City, Mo.? The hearings, Opening Session and Annual Business Meeting will be webcast on the ICC website. The Opening Session begins at 8:00 a.m. Central on Monday, Oct. 17, followed by the Members Forum and Annual Business Meeting. The hearings begin at 8:00 a.m. Central on Wednesday, Oct. 19. The webcast can be viewed on computers, tablets and other mobile devices.

Sedgwick County Commission approves plumbing code.

The Sedgwick County Board of Commissioners voted 4-1 on Oct. 5 to allow a dual plumbing code in the unincorporated communities in the County. This vote will permit the 2015 International Plumbing Code (IPC) to be used as an alternate option. The board's decision will allow residents, builders and designers in the county a unique opportunity to decide which plumbing code is best suited for their project. A dual plumbing code concept has been used in other jurisdictions throughout the U.S. In Pima County, Ariz., a dual code is in use and it's reported that the IPC is used in 90 percent of the plan submittals. The many plumbers in Sedgwick County, Kan., are excited at the opportunity to offer their clients economic choices.

Dwayne Garriss recognized for dedication to promote fire safety.

For his dedication in furthering the fire prevention profession, the Fire Equipment Manufacturers' Association selected M. Dwayne Garriss, Georgia State Fire Marshal, for its 2016 Fire Safety Advocate Award. The annual award is given to a fire safety professional who has demonstrated a commitment to enhancing the safety of the public through innovative efforts, including legislative, educational, enforcement or other effective means.

Pictured (left-right): David Price, building plans examiner, city of Huntsville, and International Code Council Chief Executive Officer Dominic Sims at the Huntsville Inspection Department.

The International Code Council — In your neighborhood.

International Code Council Board Director Alan Boswell, Chief Executive Officer Dominic Sims and Membership Services Vice President Ron Piester attended a meeting of the Association of North Alabama Code Officials (NACOA) on Sept. 28 in Decatur, Ala. Boswell and Sims reported on a variety of Code Council initiatives and events, including the upcoming Annual Conference and Public Comment Hearings in Kansas City. Katherine Lynn, assistant finance director for the State of Alabama, informed the Chapter of a new workforce development program designed to fund training programs for the construction industry.

Following the Chapter meeting, Sims and Piester toured the Huntsville Inspection Department with NACOA Chapter Treasurer David Price, and met with Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle and City Manager John Hamilton, who both expressed their strong support of the Huntsville Inspection Department and discussed the importance of code enforcement and administration in maintaining the city's economic vitality.

U.S. DOE collaborates with ICC on 2016 Compliance Guide for Energy Storage Systems.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has released the 2016 Compliance Guide for Energy Storage Systems free of charge, making it easy for manufacturers, installers and operators of energy storage systems to understand and comply with current codes, standards, and regulations. In July of last year, DOE formed a task force that included the International Code Council and other stakeholders to address potential compliance issues of these systems.

Code essentials of lavatories & sinks.

At least five percent but not less than one of the lavatories in a toilet facility must be accessible. There must be enough room to get to and use the lavatory. Therefore, Standard A117.1 requires that a clear floor space be provided in front of the sink to allow the person in a wheelchair the room to use the sink. In order for a person in a wheelchair to get up to the sink and use it, he or she must extend his or her legs under the lavatory.

Augusta firefighters promote safety & prevention.

Firefighting agencies nationwide are focusing attention on promoting fire safety and prevention during National Fire Prevention Week (Oct. 9-15). The Augusta Fire Department — an ICC Governmental Member — hosted an open house event on Oct. 9 where the community was invited to meet Smokey Bear and Sparky the Fire Dog, check out Forest Service helicopters and vehicles, and explore a replica of the Los Angeles Fire Department's Squad 51 truck from the 1970's show "Emergency!".

Call for Steering Committee candidates.

The Major Jurisdiction Committee (MJC) is seeking individuals interested in serving on the Steering Committee. The Steering Committee serves as the governing body of the entire committee. Five Steering Committee positions will be elected and/or appointed during the MJC Annual Business Meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 18 in Kansas City. The Major Jurisdiction Committee is open to any of the following: representatives of state enforcement agencies; members representing the capital cities of each state; members from the two largest jurisdictions from each state (in addition to capital cities); and member representatives from communities with a population of one million or more. Interested candidates can contact the committee at mjc@iccsafe.org or be present for the meeting.

SRCC & SWCC offer special pricing for Members.

Have you been thinking about additional solar thermal or small wind certifications? Now is the best time! The International Code Council's Solar Rating and Certification Corporation (SRCC) and Small Wind Certification Council (SWCC) are offering members special pricing now through November 30. All SRCC application and certification fees are reduced by 10 percent as well as the preliminary review fees associated with submitting a Notice of Intent to SWCC.

ICC staff meets with Representative Todd Rokita.

International Code Council Senior Vice President of Government Relations Sara Yerkes joined a small group of the Opportunity America Jobs and Careers Coalition and the Association for Career and Technical Education at a private dinner with Representative Todd Rokita, where the reauthorization of the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical Education Act, which provides funding for states to finance technical training programs, was discussed. The Code Council is a strong supporter of the Act's reauthorization.

Investing in America's clean energy future.

The Department of Energy (DOE) is releasing a new analysis that will help states understand the case for consistently adopting the most recent versions of the model building energy codes when they are published every three years. The analysis, conducted for DOE by the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, shows that homeowners, building owners and tenants could save over $100 billion on energy bills and reduce carbon emissions by over 800 million metric tons over the next quarter century if energy codes are strengthened.

FLASH announces organizational staff realignment.

The Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH) recently announced changes to its executive organization with the addition of Michael Rimoldi as Senior Vice President of Education and Technical Programs, Tim Smail as Senior Vice President of Project Management and Development, Barbara Harrison as Vice President of Outreach, Zoe LaPointe as Vice President of Communications, and Eric Vaughn as Executive Vice President.

What we're reading, following & covering.

There's a lot happening — domestically and globally — in building safety, fire prevention, sustainability and resiliency right now. Our aim is to provide busy professionals like you with a weekly run-down of the most compelling industry news stories concerning the safety, science and performance of the built environment. We do the reading for you and break down the latest news and information into an easy-to-digest format with fresh insight.

Interesting trivia from the world of construction.

Did you know?
A bridge built in Lima, Peru, around 1610 was made of mortar that was mixed not with water, but with the whites of 10,000 eggs. The bridge, appropriately called the Bridge of Eggs, is still standing today.

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