(a) In view of the existing and increasing possibility of the occurrence of disasters of unprecedented size and destructiveness resulting from enemy attack, sabotage or other hostile action, or from fire, flood, earthquakes or other natural or man-made causes and in order to insure that preparations of this City will be adequate to deal with such disasters, and generally to provide for the common defense and to protect the public peace, health and safety and to preserve the lives and property of the people of the City, it is hereby found and declared to be necessary:
(1) To create a City Emergency Services Agency;
(2) To confer upon the Mayor and Council and the organization established by this article the emergency powers provided herein;
(3) To provide for the rendering of aid, on a mutual basis, to other communities and local governmental units to the extent authorized or permitted by State and Federal laws and regulations, and to the extent of the capabilities of this City; and
(4) To provide cooperation with the State and Federal Governments with respect to the carrying out of emergency service functions.
(b) It is further declared to be the purpose of this article and the policy of this City, that all emergency service functions of this City be coordinated to the maximum extent with the State Government, including its various departments and agencies, with other cities and localities, and with private agencies of every type, to the end that the most effective preparation and use may be made of this City's manpower, resources and facilities for dealing with any disaster that may occur.
(c) It is further declared to be the purpose of this article and the policy of this City to organize an emergency services organization in conformity with the comprehensive plan and program prepared by the Governor pursuant to West Virginia Code 15-5-5, and as the City is directed to do by West Virginia Code 15-5-8.
(Ord. 2-3-69.)