Overview
The Department of State Division of Building Standards and Codes (BSC) Code Enforcement Disaster Assistance Response (CEDAR) Program provides requesting communities with timely, appropriate post-disaster assistance as part of the statewide coordinated effort under the leadership of the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Office of Emergency Management, and in accordance with Executive Law 2-B. The program’s initial disaster response focuses on performing Rapid Evaluation Safety Assessments of damaged structures in affected communities for use as part of the application process to request federal disaster assistance through FEMA. The CEDAR program’s long-term disaster response will provide a unified method that allows communities to access the broad range of resources available within the Department of State, and, with the cooperation of other state agencies and private partners, resources beyond the Department of State.
Volunteers
Who can volunteer to perform the Rapid Evaluation Safety Evaluations as a member of the CEDAR program?
- Certified Code Enforcement Officials
- Certified Building Safety Inspector
- Registered Design Professionals
- Others with specialized skills, knowledge, or abilities
How to Volunteer
Step 1 – Complete the Prerequisite NIMS/ICS Training
Complete the four FEMA Independent Study Program (IS) courses listed below.
For information on registering, taking the FEMA Independent Study courses, or any other course-related questions, please visit the FEMA EMI website at: https://training.fema.gov/is.
| FEMA Course Code | Course Title | CEU | Topic Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| IS-100.x | Introduction to the Incident Command System, ICS 100 | 1 | Topic 2- 1 hour |
| IS-200.x | Basic Incident Command System for Initial Response, ICS-200 | 1 | Topic 2- 1 hour |
| IS-700.x | An Introduction to the National Incident Management System | 1 | Topic 2- 1 hour |
| IS-800.x | National Response Framework, An Introduction | 1 | Topic 2- 1 hour |
You will need a FEMA Student ID Number to complete the courses. FEMA Student Identification (SID) number registration link: https://cdp.dhs.gov/femasid
You must provide a copy of each course completion certificate or an unofficial transcript with your CEDAR Application.
Click Here for additional information on receiving NYS In-Service Credit for completing the FEMA Independent Study courses.
Step 2 - APPLY
Complete and submit the CEDAR Application and Employer Release Form
- Application
- Employer Release Form (This verifies that your employer will allow you to respond to CEDAR activations, periodic drills, and training exercises.)
Submit proof of NIMS/ICS training course completion, Application, and Employer Release Form to [email protected].
Step 3 - Complete Training
- Complete the CEDAR: Building Safety Evaluator course provided by the Department of State, Division of Building Standards and Codes.
CEDAR Volunteers who provide proof of completing the CAL OES Safety Assessment Program (SAP) will be credited for completing the CEDAR program training requirement.
Contact Contact Emergency Management
Nathan Paquin, AEM, Director of Agency Emergency Management