Buildings across Chicago will be illuminated green in observance of June as National Safety Month.

The National Safety Council, which organizes National Safety Month, made a successful request to the Building Owners and Managers Association of Chicago (BOMA). The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois building, Prudential Plaza and The Wrigley Building, 400-410 North Michigan Ave., Chicago, Ill., have already agreed to participate.

The National Safety Council is now calling for other iconic buildings and skyscrapers both in Chicago and across the country to follow suit and help educate the public about the unprecedented rise in preventable deaths – commonly known as ‘accidents’.

“Our ‘Sweet Home Chicago’ is literally lighting the way for safety,” said NSC President and CEO Deborah A.P. Hersman. “There is nothing more important than keeping each other safe, and we are proud that our hometown is leading that charge.”

Every four minutes, someone dies from a preventable cause, such as a poisoning, car crash or fall. Preventable injuries account for more deaths each year than strokes, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes or suicides. More than 4,640 Illinoisans died from preventable incidents in 2014 and poisonings – driven by the opioid crisis – are the leading cause of preventable death across the state, according to Injury Facts® 2017.

Iconic buildings will light their buildings green within the June 1-7 timeframe. The buildings participate in the BOMA Building Lighting Partner Program – an initiative to light up the skyline for various civic and philanthropic causes. In addition to lighting the buildings green, properties have the option of using their lights to spell out various messages. For National Safety Month, participating building owners are encouraged to use the slogan, ‘Be Safe’.

NSC observes National Safety Month every June to raise awareness about the everyday safety risks facing Americans and offers tips and resources to reduce harm. This year’s theme, Keep Each Other Safe, underscores the role every individual plays in the effort to eliminate preventable deaths.

Visit nsc.org/nsm for additional information.