(a) The Mayor, or the Safety Director if the Mayor is unavailable, may proclaim a state of emergency in the City or in any part of the City (1) if there is a civil disturbance, disorder, or other occurrence that constitutes a clear and present danger to the health, safety, and property of the citizens of the City of Canton, or substantially impairs the function of the City government and its ability to protect the lives and property of the people; or (2) in the event of a natural disaster, including but not limited to, a flood, fire, tornado, explosion, or health pandemic and extraordinary measures must be taken to protect the public peace, health, safety, or welfare.
(b) Implementing State of Emergency. If a state of emergency has been proclaimed, the Mayor, or the Safety Director if the Mayor is unavailable, may issue proclamations deemed necessary to protect life and property, including but not limited to the establishment of a curfew, prohibiting the sale of alcohol, restricting movement into, out of, or within certain areas, or limiting the gathering of people. The State of Emergency shall not remain in effect longer than necessary to address the circumstances creating the emergency.
(c) Prohibitions During State of Emergency.
(1) No person may knowingly disobey an order of the Mayor or Safety Director issued under this section, or knowingly disobey an order of a police officer or firefighter acting under orders issued under this section, or knowingly interfere with any person lawfully acting under authority granted by this section.
(2) A violation of this section is a misdemeanor of the third degree. A subsequent violation is a misdemeanor of the first degree.
(Ord. 113-2020. Passed 6-15-20.)