TDCI, Fire Marshal’s Office Highlights Building Safety Month in May

NASHVILLE – To help raise public awareness of the critical role that building codes play in ensuring safe communities, the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance (TDCI) and the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) is joining with the International Code Council to promote Building Safety Month in May.

This year’s theme is “Built to Last,” which highlights how modern building codes, safety professionals, and resilient construction practices protect homes and communities worldwide. Each year, the Code Council, its members, and global communities celebrate building safety through proclamations, educational events, and community gatherings.

• Week One (May 1–10): “Safe Homes, Strong Communities” focuses on simple actions homeowners can take to improve safety at home.
• Week Two (May 11—17): “Voices of the Built Environment” spotlights building safety professionals and the roles they play in keeping communities safe.
• Week Three (May 18—24): “Prepared to Protect” encourages community preparedness and highlights how disaster-resilient building codes protect people and property.
• Week Four (May 25—31): “Communities Without Limits” showcases the importance of accessibility in building construction and design.

“Contemporary planning, building materials, design, and construction can make our communities more resilient in the aftermath of disaster, fires, and other events,” said TDCI Commissioner and State Fire Marshal Carter Lawrence. “I am thankful that our team is helping make Tennessee safer.”

In Tennessee, the SFMO’s Codes Enforcement and Electrical, Residential, and Marina Inspections sections work to ensure buildings are constructed safely, and public marinas are operated safely. In 2025, the SFMO team completed 5,725 inspections of residential buildings, issued 173,738 electrical permits, issued 1,538 residential building permits, and conducted 318,261 total electrical inspections.

“Building Safety Month honors the hard work of codes enforcement professionals who are committed to ensuring the safety and prosperity of Tennesseans,” said TDCI Assistant Commissioner for Fire Prevention Mike Bell. “My team in the State Fire Marshal’s Office and I take pride in helping support our mission of saving lives and property of our fellow Tennesseans.”

To aid in the SFMO’s mission of training the future of codes officials, the Tennessee Fire Service and Codes Enforcement Academy (TFACA) offers a progressive and challenging curriculum for the testing and certification of codes enforcement officials.

TFACA’s state-of-the-art equipment, classrooms, and conference center provide a solid foundation for individuals who are starting a career in codes enforcement or seasoned professionals looking to keep pace with updated regulations. Building codes address all aspects of construction, including fire prevention, structural integrity, and energy efficiency.

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