If an existing or threatened state of emergency endangers the lives, safety, health and welfare of the people within the city, or threatens damage to or destruction of property, the Mayor is authorized and empowered to issue a public proclamation, declaring to all persons the existence of such a state of emergency, and, in order to more effectively protect the lives and property of people within the city, to place in effect any or all of the restrictions authorized by the provisions of this chapter.
(`90 Code, § 7-2)