When you walk into a building, flip a light switch, or hear a smoke alarm, you trust that someone, somewhere, has made sure those systems are installed correctly and are safe.
Behind the scenes, a powerful system of safety codes and standards is constantly working to help make our homes, schools, offices and public spaces safer. When we take codes and standards out of the picture, our buildings become nothing more than four walls and one major safety hazard.
Watch the video below to see what I mean.
This system is one that many don’t know exists, which means they also don’t know that it’s under attack. This is why NFPA launched a new national public awareness campaign with a simple message: Safety doesn’t happen by chance. It’s aimed at educating the public about what standards are, how they are developed and the need to protect the very system that protects us all.
Now, we’re joining forces with Jonathan Scott, TV host and home renovation expert, for “Reverse Renovations”, to help spread this important message even further.
“As someone who’s seen what can go wrong behind the walls during a renovation, I can tell you: safety codes aren’t red tape, they’re lifesavers,” said Jonathan. “From electrical wiring to fire safety, these standards protect homeowners, contractors, and families every single day. Most people don’t realize how much they rely on them, until something goes wrong. I’m proud to be teaming up with NFPA to help educate the public about the critical importance of safety codes and standards.”
I was fortunate to meet Jonathan during the filming of the video above and was impressed by how passionate he was to support this effort. He’s bringing that passion, his knowledge, and even his great sense of humor to make a serious point: a world without safety standards isn’t a world any of us want to live in.
What’s at Stake?
If we don’t protect the independent standards development process that NFPA is part of, we risk measures that help keep us safe where we live, work, and gather. We risk stalling innovation, and we put lives and property at risk. We also risk losing one of the most successful public-private partnerships in history that has safeguarded countless lives, created economic growth, and saved billions of taxpayer dollars—with no good alternative to take its place. Many people wrongly assume that government agencies write these standards when they do not.
The campaign also supports the Pro Codes Act—legislation that reinforces existing law by clarifying that a standard doesn’t lose its copyright protection if it’s been incorporated by reference into a law or regulation. It also requires these standards be available for free viewing on a publicly accessible website. It strikes a great balance because it ensures transparency for any member of the public who might want to look online for a code or standard, while also protecting the ability of groups like NFPA to continue funding their important work.
How You Can Help
- Watch the video and share it with friends, family and anyone who thinks safety “just happens.”
- Visit ReverseRenovations.com to learn more about how the code system works and how you can support it.
- Ask your member of Congress to cosponsor the Pro Codes Act and keep safety standards strong.
Whether you’re a building professional, parent, business owner, community leader, or just someone who cares about keeping people safe, your voice matters. Because safety doesn’t happen by chance.
