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Deck Safety Month - May 2007
North American Deck and Railing Association, Inc. (NADRA) declared May as the first Deck Safety Month in 2006. Its purpose is to prevent injuries and fatalities associated with decks through the promotion of public awareness of the necessity for regular inspection and maintenance of existing decks, and the proper installation of new decks. It combines promotion of the outdoor living lifestyle in conjunction with safe building practices, and consumer awareness. The program encourages consumers to educate themselves on the condition of their deck, identify problem areas, learn about capacity limits and get a map of what to keep an eye on in the future.
Mike Beaudry, Executive Vice President for NADRA states "A simple, annual deck inspection doesn't take long or require special tools, but it's a great investment. It can help prevent unnecessary accidents, and keep a deck a safe place for everyone to enjoy." May is a great time to make a deck-check," Beaudry continues, "especially in locations where there's a lot of snow and ice, as a deck could develop a trouble spot over the winter. A professional inspection will examine every inch of a deck, evaluate the deck's capacity limits, identify problem areas, and provide a map of what to keep your eye on in the future. If the deck is older, this might include a regular deck inspection schedule."
May of 2007 marks the second year of this public safety program.NADRA extends its efforts to include many more publications throughout North America, and launches its new consumer directed,10-Point Checklist - designed to help homeowners evaluate the safety and condition of their decks.
Builders, suppliers, wholesalers and retailers alike are encouraged to download and print-up copies of the 10-Point Checklist, and make them available to their customers. Download the checklist: www.nadra.org/consumers/dsmchecklist.pdfAlso get involved by emailing this information or the link to www.nadra.org to local code officials, newspapers, radio and TV stations. Let's get the word out!
Deck Safety Month 2007 has an information postcard available to members. NADRA member companies may special order co-sponsored versions of the postcard to add their own company logo. Members can login at http://members.nadra.org/ and click on the "Just Installed" link. Deck Safety postcards can be drop shipped or mailed directly to designated recipients. Ordering is easy, and turnaround is fast!
Key to the success of the Deck Safety Program is NADRA's three-pronged strategy for broadcasting deck safety information to as many people, companies and communities as possible; namely consumers, members of the deck and railing industry (builders, suppliers, manufacturers), and building inspectors and municipalities. Included in NADRA's efforts are responsible development of best practices and industry standards - driving code development, as well as, product innovation through communication between builders, suppliers, and consumers. The industry is encouraged to help get deck safety information out to everyone. Do your part during Deck Safety Month, and all year long.
In 2003, researchers at Virginia Tech University in cooperation with the International Code Council produced a "Manual for the Inspection of Residential Wood Decks and Balconies." The Manual as well as a recent addendum are available for purchase through NADRA at www.nadra.org. |
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Don't Let This Happen to You! |
