May 3, 2009

The City of Charlottesville's Neighborhood Development Services building inspectors will be offering free safety inspections of outdoor decks during Building Safety Week, May 3 though 9.

First observed in 1980, Building Safety Week annually raises public awareness of critical safety issues affecting every person, regardless of age or occupation. These entail the structural soundness of the buildings where we live and work, reliability of fire prevention and suppression systems, plumbing and mechanical systems, accessibility, energy efficiency and sustainability.

Recent crane failures at high rise buildings in the US and night club overcrowding disasters are extreme examples of the importance of building safety. Residential deck failures unfortunately occur each summer due to overcrowding and faulty construction and maintenance.

To sign up for a free deck inspection, go online to Charlottesville.org and press Online Services. An inspector will respond and leave a written report at your front door.