Code Enforcement Disaster Assistance Response (CEDAR) Program

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.

Who can volunteer to perform the Rapid Evaluation Safety Assessments 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

Step 1 - QUALIFY

Complete two National Incident Management System (NIMS) prerequisite courses (ICS-700 Introduction to the National Incident Management System, and ICS-100 Introduction to the Incident Command System) available in a classroom setting or online.  You will need a FEMA Student ID Number to complete the courses:

Student ID Registration link: https://cdp.dhs.gov/femasid/register

ICS 100 link: https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=IS-100.c

ICS 700 link: https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=IS-700.b

You will need to have an official transcript sent to the Codes Division to verify course completion.  Individuals that are CEO or BSI certified will receive 1-hour inservice credit for each course in their SLMS account.  ICS 100 and ICS 700 courses taken prior to September 27, 2011 will not be accepted. 

FEMA Transcript

Step 2 - APPLY

Complete and submit the CEDAR Application

• Application
• Employer Release Form

This verifies that your employer will allow you to respond to CEDAR activations, periodic drills and training exercises.  You should still complete the form If you are retired or self-employed.  Write in “retired” or “self-employed” as applicable.

Step 3 - TRAIN

• Successfully complete the 3-hour orientation training

You will then be added to the CEDAR Team roster.