A. Local Emergency Declaration:
1. A "local emergency declaration" may be declared by the chairperson of the board of county commissioners if the chairperson finds a disaster has occurred, or the occurrence or threat of a disaster is imminent in any area of the county in which county government response or recovery is required or assistance is required to supplement the response and recovery of any subdivision of the county. The local emergency declaration shall not be continued or renewed for a period in excess of thirty (30) days, except by or with the consent of the board of county commissioners. All declarations or orders issued under this chapter shall include:
a. The nature of the "local emergency";
b. The area or areas being threatened;
c. The conditions creating such an emergency or those conditions allowing termination of the "local emergency";
d. The number or quantity of resources or assistance needed.
2. Any order or proclamation declaring, continuing, or terminating a "local emergency" shall be filed promptly with the county clerk/auditor. When the chairperson of the board of county commissioners or the board of county commissioners declares a disaster or emergency, the county's emergency response will operate as outlined in the county emergency operations plan. (1998 Code § 8.30.014)
B. County Political Subdivisions Declaration Of Local Emergency:
1. A declaration of "local emergency" by any political subdivision of the county is official recognition that a disaster situation exists within the affected political subdivision and provides a legal basis for requesting and obtaining state or federal government disaster assistance.
2. Notice of any "local emergency" declared by any political subdivision shall be promptly delivered to the county emergency manager, or any member of the board of county commissioners.
3. The board of county commissioners shall provide the requested assistance and resources. If the county cannot provide such requested assistance, the county shall declare a "local emergency".
4. The county emergency manager shall direct the request for assistance to the state comprehensive emergency management, following a county local emergency declaration, coordinate other local agency assistance and available resources.
5. During any disaster where local, state or federal assistance is required, the county emergency manager shall direct and coordinate such assistance.
6. All requests for outside assistance and resources shall be coordinated through the emergency manager.
7. If more than one municipality and/or the county declares a local emergency during the same period of time, a "unified command committee" shall be formed. The "unified command committee" shall include a representative from each of the affected jurisdictions they represent. The representatives shall have the authority to make decisions for the jurisdiction they represent. (1998 Code § 8.30.015)