2.48A.070 Declaration of emergency.

(1)    Whenever an emergency, or the imminent threat thereof, occurs in the county and results in, or threatens to result in, the death or injury of persons or the destruction of or damage to property to such extent as to require, in the judgment of the chair of the board of county commissioners, extraordinary and immediate measures to protect the public health, safety and welfare, the chair shall forthwith:

(a)    If the board of county commissioners is in session, request the board to declare the existence or threatened existence of an emergency; or

(b)    If the board of county commissioners is not in session, issue such declaration, subject to board ratification and confirmation, modification or rejection as soon as practicable. Such board ratification and confirmation, modification or rejection shall be by a majority of the board then present and voting;

(c)    Declarations of emergency issued by the chair of the board of county commissioners or alternate shall be presented as soon as practical to the board of county commissioners for ratification and confirmation, modification or rejection. Declarations which are rejected shall, after vote, be void. Declarations shall be considered in full force and effect until the board shall act.

(2)    Such declaration of emergency may be in addition to or as an alternative to the proclamation of state of emergency by the Governor.

(3)    The chair of the board of county commissioners or alternate shall terminate the declaration of emergency when order has been restored in the affected area of the county. (Ord. 2005-10-03)