The county council is responsible for meeting the dangers to the county and its people presented by disasters of any origin. Under this chapter, the county council may issue proclamations and regulations and amend or rescind them. Proclamations of the county council have the force and effect of law.

A. A state of disaster emergency may be declared by the county council if it finds a disaster has occurred, or that the threat thereof is imminent, and extraordinary emergency measures are deemed necessary to cope with the existing or anticipated situation. Once declared, the state of emergency shall continue until terminated by proclamation of the county council or as prescribed by state law. All proclamations issued under this section shall indicate the nature of the disaster, the area or areas affected by the proclamation, and the conditions which brought about or make possible termination of the state of disaster emergency.

B. In addition to any other powers conferred by law, the county council may, under the provisions of this chapter:

1. Suspend the provisions of existing regulations prescribing the procedures for conduct of county business if strict compliance with the provisions of any statute, order, rule or regulation would in any way prevent, hinder or delay necessary action in coping with the emergency;

2. Utilize all available resources of county government as reasonably necessary to cope with disaster emergency;

3. Transfer the direction, personnel or functions of county departments and agencies or units thereof for purposes of facilitating or performing emergency services as necessary or desirable;

4. Compel performance by elected and appointed county government officials and employees of the duties and functions assigned in the county emergency operation plan;

5. Contract, requisition and compensate for goods and services from private sources;

6. Direct and compel evacuation of all or part of the population from any stricken or threatened area within the county if this action is deemed necessary for preservation of life or other disaster mitigation, response or recovery;

7. Prescribe routes, modes of transportation, and destination in connection with evacuation;

8. Control ingress and egress to and from a disaster area, the movement of persons within the area, and the occupancy of premises therein;

9. Suspend or limit the sale, dispensing or transportation of alcoholic beverages, firearms, explosives and combustibles;

10. Make provisions for the availability and use of temporary housing. (Ord. 95-O-15 § 5, 1995: Ord. 87-O-2 § 5, 1987)