A state of public emergency shall be deemed to exist whenever during times, existing or threatening, of great public crisis, rioting, civil disturbance, or disorder, or for any reason of natural or manmade disaster or catastrophe, municipal public safety authorities are unable to maintain public order or afford adequate protection for lives, safety, health, welfare, or property.
('64 Code, § 17-42(a)) (Ord. passed 7-22-68)