Video: Hoover Council to take closer look at debate over home sprinklers

    The Hoover City Council is preparing to tackle an important safety issue regarding a debate on sprinklers, used to protect against fires, should be mandatory in new homes.
    The International Code Council is a group that votes, develops and recommends codes for Residential and Commercial buildings.
    Earlier this year the council approved that all new family homes have sprinklers by 2011 as a safety measure.
Under the code, municipalities can opt to adopt the code.

A copy of the release is listed below.  Please click on the video player above to the online report.

The Hoover City council is expected to vote on the measure next Monday.

For Immediate Release Contact: Jennifer Gibson
Jan. 6, 2009 1-888-ICC-SAFE (422-7233), ext. 4224
http://www.iccsafe.org

Sprinklers, energy efficiency key changes
to 2009 International Residential Code
The 2009 edition of the International Residential Code (IRC), available in March, includes new
requirements for sprinklers and energy efficiency. It also includes new standards for building homes in
high-wind regions, and constructing community and residential storm shelters.
Jurisdictions that adopt the 2009 IRC will apply the most modern, scientific and comprehensive
building safety provisions available to save lives and protect property. The IRC, developed and
published by the International Code Council, is adopted at the state or local level in 48 states and
Washington, D.C.
The IRC combines all building, plumbing, mechanical, fuel gas, energy and electrical provisions for
one- and two-family residences and townhouses into one comprehensive code that is compatible with all
I-Codes. To pre-purchase the 2009 International Codes, visit http://www.iccsafe.org/2009icodes.
New safety features in the 2009 IRC include:
• Fire sprinklers required in all new one- and two-family residences beginning Jan. 1, 2011.
• Fire sprinklers in all new townhomes when the code is adopted.
• Carbon monoxide alarms required in new construction dwelling units with fuel-fired appliances,
and in existing homes where interior alterations include fuel-fired appliance replacements or
attached garages.
• New guidelines for the design and construction of homes in high wind regions, based on the
International Code Council’s Standard for Residential Construction in High Wind Regions, ICC
600.
• New guidelines for the design and construction of storm shelters, based on the new International
Code Council/National Storm Shelter Association (NSSA) Standard for the Design and
Construction of Storm Shelters, ICC 500-2008.

International Code Council
NEWS RELEASE
Energy-efficient upgrades in the 2009 IRC include:
• Programmable thermostats in new homes and buildings with forced air furnaces.
• High-efficiency light bulbs in at least 50% of permanent lighting fixtures in new homes.
• Maximum fenestration U-factors are lowered in warmer climates to reduce the amount of heat
loss or gain through windows and doors to lower energy costs during cooling periods.
• An increase in insulation R-values for walls, floors and basements in cold climates to achieve
heating and cooling savings.
The International Code Council, a membership association dedicated to building safety and fire
prevention, develops the codes used to construct residential and commercial buildings, including homes
and schools. Most U.S. cities, counties and states choose the International Codes, building safety codes
developed by the International Code Council.
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