The following definitions shall apply in the interpretations of this chapter:
DISASTER. An occurrence of a severity and magnitude resulting in deaths, injuries, and/or property damage that cannot be managed through the routine procedures and resources of this local government. A disaster usually develops suddenly and unexpectedly and requires immediate, coordinated, and effective response by multiple government agencies and private sector or volunteer organizations to meet human needs and insure speedy recovery.
EMERGENCY. An occurrence/situation requiring the immediate response of local resources to resolve the occurrence/situation or to prepare for a potential/pending disastrous occurrence/situation. Examples of emergency occurrences/situations include, but are not limited to, an accident involving hazardous materials which threatens to endanger the nearby population, or the period of time prior to the onset of a severe storm such as a blizzard.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT. Refers to programs and capabilities designed to mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from the effects of all man-made, technological, and natural hazards. It should be noted that the term "civil defense" contained in the Federal Civil Defense Act of 1950, as amended, was redefined to include natural and man-made disaster activities. It is likely, however, that the past connotation of the term CIVIL DEFENSE as being limited to enemy attack activities and will linger in usage despite its redefinition in the Act. To avoid confusion, the term WAR RELATED will be used when referring specifically to enemy war activities and capabilities.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT DIRECTOR. Shall be the City Manager who has the primary day-to-day responsibility for emergency management programs and activities in the city. The role is one of coordinating all aspects of a jurisdiction's mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery capabilities and activities. Equally, the Emergency Management Director is a vital part of our country's national preparedness system. He/she is the local connection to a nationwide direction, control, and warning system available for use in all types of emergencies.
RESOURCES. Shall mean the employees, volunteers, equipment, and facilities of the city, as well as county, state, federal, and private agencies and organizations supporting emergency response and recovery operations.
VOLUNTEER. Shall mean any person duly registered, identified and appointed by the Emergency Management Director and assigned to participate in emergency mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery activities without remuneration.
(Ord. 16-98, passed 3-16-98)