Whenever the Board of Health finds that an emergency exists involving a serious health hazard which requires immediate action to protect the public health, it may, without notice or hearing, issue a written order citing the existence of such an emergency and the conditions violating this article which require corrective action to remove such health hazard. If such corrective action has not been taken, the Board of Health may take such action as may be necessary to protect the public health, including stoppage or processing operations. Notwithstanding other provisions of this article, such order shall be effective immediately. Any person to whom such order is directed shall comply therewith immediately, but, upon petition to the Department, shall be afforded a hearing as soon as possible, but in any case not later than three days after the petition was filed. After such hearing, depending upon its finding as to whether or not the provisions of this article and of the regulations adopted pursuant thereto have been complied with, the Department shall continue such order in effect or modify it or revoke it.