In emergency situations where facilities block, obstruct or have damaged the highway or appurtenances or have created a danger or hazard to the traveling public, they shall be reported by the permittee by the most expeditious means of communication, as soon as reasonably possible to do so, to the Director of Public Works and the city police, as to the location, type and extent of the emergency. The permittee shall take such measures as are required to protect the health and safety of the traveling public during such emergency operations.