Unless you live in a place with an active volcano, the chances are that you don’t know what it means to be in a state of emergency. But a state of emergency is an all-encompassing term that covers many different situations and gives the government more powers than usual to take action.
When is a state of emergency declared?
A state of emergency can be declared when the Governor believes a disaster has occurred or is imminent that is more than the local community can handle. The declaration authorizes the Governor to speed state agency assistance and allows him to assume additional powers (i.e. imposing travel restrictions, curfews, commandeering and rationing of essential commodities like food, water and shelter) as needed to quell disturbances and assist the affected communities. It also positions the state to seek federal assistance when the scope of the disaster exceeds what can be financed locally.
The state of emergency can be rescinded by the issuing government agency or when it has been determined that the threat from the pandemic has passed. During the State of Emergency, your large and small private businesses should establish their own disaster policies and make decisions about delayed openings, cancellations or closures, including how to deal with employees who cannot get to work due to travel restrictions. Your schools should also develop policies based on their local conditions and the Governor’s guidance. If the State of Emergency is extended, the duration is re-examined by Parliament and may be shortened or lengthened.