A. When, in the judgment of the City Council, a state of emergency exists, it shall declare in writing and publicize the existence of same. If circumstances prohibit the timely action of the City Council, the Mayor may declare the state of emergency, provided that the approval of a majority of the City Council is sought and obtained at the first available opportunity.
B. Upon the declaration, the Mayor is empowered to assume centralized control of and have authority over all departments, divisions and offices of the city in order to implement the provisions of this chapter. The state of emergency declared pursuant to this section shall specify the area(s) which warrant the exercise of emergency controls. The Mayor shall terminate the state of emergency when the emergency no longer exists or the threat of an emergency has passed.