Cortlandville. (Photo Source: Kevin L. Smith/The Cortland Voice).
The department of code enforcement in Cortlandville is joining a noble cause in New York state.
The Cortlandville town board unanimously approved a resolution Tuesday to authorize code officer Kevin McMahon to join the state’s Code Enforcement Disaster Assistance program (CEDAR).
“If there was a flood in Long Island, for example, the state would ask for codes inspectors in the program to help assess damage to see what is structurally sound and what isn’t,” Town Supervisor Tom Williams said Wednesday.
Williams said McMahon would be inspecting different aspects of structures, including roofs and foundations. Assessments of damaged structures in affected communities for use as part of the application process to request federal disaster assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency, according to the state’s Department of State website.
“(McMahon) is very interested in the program,” Williams said. “I told him to proceed with the application process. He may be gone for a few days if there is a natural disaster. But it would be only after the state has processed the application.”
Based on state guidelines, CEDAR volunteering is available for certified building safety inspectors and registered design professionals with the state.
If McMahon’s application is accepted by the state, he will have to complete a three-hour orientation training.
CEDAR volunteers are provided with workman’s compensation by the state.
