A state of emergency is a formal declaration that allows authorities to have more powers during a crisis. The exact definition varies by country, but it usually means that people’s freedoms are restricted, for example they may be detained without charge for longer periods of time. It is often used during times of public unrest or disasters, but it can also be invoked by dictatorial regimes to control political opposition and dissent.
State of emergencies are often based on an assessment that the situation is more than the local government can manage, such as during a hurricane or wildfire. The decision to declare a state of emergency is made by the head of government and can last for up to one year. This can be renewed for further one-year periods with the approval of Congress.
During a state of emergency, the National Joint Operation Management (NJOEM) can activate the State Emergency Operations Plan and deploy the State Disaster Force. NJOEM can also call on private agencies, such as the Red Cross and The Salvation Army, to help with rescue and recovery efforts. It can also use the Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES) to support the official emergency communications network. States of emergency are typically accompanied by public warnings and a ban on outdoor activities or travel. The state of emergency can also apply to schools and workplaces, where they might restrict personal leave or alter shift allocation processes.