(A) Pursuant to I.C. 10-14-3-29, the President of the Board of Commissioners of Hancock County may declare a local disaster emergency if the President determines that snow or ice conditions require that vehicles should not travel on county roads. The declaration may be extended beyond seven days only with the approval of the Board of Commissioners.
(B) The Director of Emergency Management in consultation with local street and highway departments, may issue a declaration following the standardized local conditions as follows:
(1) CAUTION (White). A condition may develop that limits or hinders travel or activities in isolated areas. No travel restrictions have been placed in effect by county officials, but citizens should be alert to changing conditions.
(2) ADVISORY (Yellow). Routine travel or activities may be restricted in areas because of a hazardous situation. Citizens should use caution or avoid these areas. Schools and businesses may begin to implement their emergency action plans.
(3) WATCH (Orange). Conditions are threatening to the safety of the public. Only essential travel is recommended (i.e. to and from work, emergency situations, etc.) Emergency action plans have been or should be implemented by businesses, schools, government agencies and other organizations.
(C) The President of Commissioners may issue a declaration following the standardized local conditions as follows:
(1) WARNING (Red). Travel shall be restricted to emergency personnel only. Citizens are directed to refrain from all travel, comply with necessary emergency measures, cooperate with public officials and disaster services forces in executing emergency operations plans, and comply with the directions of properly identified officers. Further and more specific restrictions may be included in the disaster declaration.
(D) The operator of a vehicle found to be in violation of division (C) above may be fined in an amount not to exceed $50.
(E) (1) Any vehicle found on a county road in violation of division (C) above may be:
(a) Forcefully moved out of the way, and
(b) Towed by order of a law enforcement officer.
(2) Hancock County is not responsible for damages to the vehicle. The owner shall pay the cost of the tow and, if required, storage.
(Ord. 1999-3A, passed 3-8-99; Am. Ord. 2010-4B, passed 4-26-10; Am. Ord. 2011-2A, passed 2-15-11)
Penalty, see § 10.99