THE CODE CONNECTION

Newspapers are great at headlines and giving a quick overview.  But when it comes to parsing out real information and full details you have to go right to the source.  In this case the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), a federal agency, has everything you need to know about the 9/11 tragedy and the impact it may have on future construction and building codes.

Here's the source: http://wtc.nist.grv/

You can get the Draft Summary Report with an executive summary, complete recommendations, and the full report.  You will also find detailed reports of each of the building collapses, life safety evaluation, and analysis of the building and fire safety procedures.

Additionally, the April 5, 2005 news release also has links to downloadable computer simulations of the Boeing 767's crashes into each of the World Trade Center towers.  Go to: http://www.nist.gov/public_affairs/releases/wtc_briefing_april0505.htm

Armed with real facts and scientific discipline, states and the major code promulgating organizations like the International Code Council (ICC) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) can move forward toward making the world a safer place.