The following definitions shall apply in the interpretation of this chapter.
(a) "Disaster" means an occurrence of severity and magnitude that normally results in deaths, injuries and property damage and that cannot be managed through the routine procedures and resources of government. It usually develops suddenly and unexpectedly and requires immediate, coordinated and effective response by multiple government and private sector organizations to meet human needs and speedy recovery.
(b) "Emergency" means a disaster occurrence or a situation which seriously threatens loss of life and damage to property. It usually develops suddenly and unexpectedly and demands immediate, coordinated and effective response by government and private sector organizations to protect lives and limit damage to property. Examples of emergency situations which could result in a disaster include: an accident involving hazardous materials which threatens to explode or rupture endangering the surrounding population; a period of time prior to the onset of a severe storm such as a hurricane; and a period of intense international crisis that could lead to nuclear warfare, hence, emergencies can be man-made, technological or natural.
(c) "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 will linger in usage despite its re-definition in the Act. To avoid confusion, the term "war related" will be used when referring specifically to enemy war activities and capabilities.
(d) "Emergency management coordinator" refers to the individual who has the primary day-to-day responsibility for emergency management programs and activities. The role is one of coordinating all aspects of a jurisdiction's mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery capabilities.
(e) "Resources" means 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.
(f) "Volunteer" means any person duly registered, identified and appointed by the Emergency Management Coordinator and assigned to participate in emergency mitigative, preparedness, response and recovery activities.
(Ord. 1-92. Passed 2-10-92.)