In the event of an existing or threatened state of emergency endangering the lives, safety, health and welfare of the people within the town or threatening damage to or destruction of property, the Mayor is hereby 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 the people within the town, to place in effect the restrictions authorized in this chapter.
(1977 Code, § 9-2)