For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
CIVIL PREPAREDNESS. The organization, administration, trained manpower, facilities, equipment, material, supplies, programs, emergency plans, ability to execute emergency plans and all other measures necessary and incidental thereto relating to disaster prevention preparedness response and recovery by all governmental and private sector agencies to protect or save health, life or property.
DIRECTOR. The Director of Civil Preparedness.
DISASTER. The occurrence or imminent threat of widespread or severe damage, injury or loss of life or property or extreme peril to the safety of persons or property, resulting from any natural or human-made causes, including but not limited to fire, flood, earthquake, wind, storm, blight, drought, famine, infestation, air contamination, epidemic, explosion, riot or other acts of civil disobedience which endanger life or property, or hostile military or paramilitary action.
EMERGENCY. The existence of a disaster within the town limits requiring immediate action by the emergency forces of the town.
EMERGENCY FORCES. All town governmental and private sector agencies, volunteers, facilities, equipment, trained manpower and other resources required to perform civil preparedness functions.
LOCAL EMERGENCY. The existence of a disaster within the town limits, and the situation is or is likely to be beyond the capability and resources of the town as determined by the Mayor and which requires the combined efforts of other political subdivisions.
REGULATIONS. The orders, rules and emergency procedures deemed essential for civil preparedness.
STATE OF EMERGENCY. The duly proclaimed existence of a disaster within the state except a disaster resulting in a state of war emergency which is or is likely to be beyond the capabilities and resources of any single county, city or town and requires the combined efforts of the state and the political subdivision.
STATE OF WAR EMERGENCY. The situation which exists immediately whenever this nation is attacked, or upon receipt by this state of a warning from the federal government indicating that an attack is imminent.
(1991 Code, § 3-5-2)