(A) For the purpose of this subchapter, the following definitions apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
AUTHORIZED EMERGENCY VEHICLE. The following:
(a) Fire Department vehicles and vehicles operated by members of a Fire Department while responding to or preventing an emergency;
(b) Police Department vehicles operated by members of a Police Department while responding to or preventing an emergency;
(c) Emergency medical service vehicles and vehicles operated by members of an emergency medical service responding to or preventing an emergency;
(d) Vehicles owned or operated by the United States of America, state, county or city while used for official business related to an emergency or condition caused thereby; and
(e) Other vehicles such as public utility vehicles, fuel service vehicles or the like, as shall have provided prior notice to the Chief of Police while used for official business related to an emergency or a condition caused thereby. Such use shall be subject to any restrictions or conditions related to an emergency as may be imposed by the Chief of Police.
EMERGENCY. An event or condition that could not be reasonably foreseen and that threatens the health, welfare, property or safety of one or more persons and requires immediate action.
(B) An emergency shall commence by executive order, determination and proclamation by the Mayor of the city, before, during or after a situation which, in his or her sound judgment and discretion, warrants the determination of such an emergency for the public safety of the city.
(C) The Mayor of the city may designate a travel advisory as part of an emergency declaration as authorized by I.C. 10-14-3 et seq. A travel advisory shall be designated as one of the following levels:
(1) Advisory. The lowest travel advisory level. Routine travel or activities may be restricted in areas because of a hazardous situation. Individuals should use caution or avoid these areas;
(2) Watch. Conditions are threatening to the safety of the public. Only essential travel is recommended (i.e., to and from work, emergency situations and the like). Businesses, schools, government agencies and other organizations should implement emergency action plans; and
(3) Warning. The highest travel advisory level. Extremely hazardous travel conditions. Travel is restricted to authorized emergency vehicles only. City government offices are closed and all scheduled city meetings are canceled. Individuals should refrain from all travel, comply with necessary emergency measures, cooperate with public officials and disaster services forces in executing emergency operations plans, and obey and comply with the lawful directions of properly identified officers.
(D) An emergency shall continue in effect until the Mayor of the city determinates that the emergency no longer exists and accordingly terminates such emergency.
(E) The Mayor of the city may issue a travel “advisory” or “watch” without an emergency declaration. A travel “warning” may be issued only after an emergency declaration is declared pursuant to this subchapter.
(Prior Code, § 70.66) (Ord. G-00-13, passed 12-12-2000; Ord. G-11-08, passed 12-27-2011)