§ 14-48. Emergency management director.

(a)

During any period that a disaster emergency declaration, issued by either the mayor or governor, is in effect, the city manager may promulgate such regulations as he deems necessary to protect life and property and preserve critical resources. The city manager will be assisted in this role by the emergency management coordinator. Such regulations and powers may include, but not be limited to, the power to:

(1)

Prohibit or restrict the movement of vehicles in order to facilitate the work of emergency management forces, or to facilitate the mass movement of persons to and from critical areas.

(2)

Recommend and assist in the evacuation of persons from areas deemed to be hazardous or vulnerable to disaster in accordance with state law.

(3)

Order a curfew into effect in all or any delineated part of the city and to exempt therefrom persons whose movement is essential to the health, safety and welfare of the public.

(4)

Order the closing of any place where arms, ammunition, dynamite, or other explosives are sold, and forbid the sale, barter, loan, or gift of these items.

(5)

Order the closing of private clubs or any business establishment having a liquor, beer or wine permit, gasoline stations, theaters, ballrooms and public rooms or buildings.

(6)

Prohibit or restrict the sale, distribution or gift of gasoline or other flammable liquid or combustible products in any container other than a gasoline tank properly affixed to a motor vehicle.

(7)

Declare certain items, which may be potentially injurious to the public health, safety or welfare, to be contraband and authorize a search of these items.

(8)

Exclude sightseers from any area where a disaster is imminent or has occurred.

(9)

Order the detention of persons who impede or incite others to impede the preservation or restoration of order.

(10)

Temporarily suspend or modify, for not more than 60 days, any regulation or ordinance of the city including, but not limited to, those regarding health, safety, and zoning, if the suspension or modification is essential to provide temporary housing for disaster victims.

(11)

Promulgate any other regulations necessary to preserve public peace, health and safety during a disaster emergency.

(b)

Regulations promulgated in accordance with the authority granted by this article will be given widespread circulation by official notice published in newspapers, and on radio and television. These regulations will have the effect of ordinances when duly filed with the city secretary.

(c)

The city manager is empowered to obtain vital supplies, equipment and other properties necessary to expedite response and relief efforts.

(d)

The city manager is empowered to require emergency services of any city officer or employee. If regular city forces are determined inadequate, then to require the services of such other personnel as are available, including citizen volunteers. All duly authorized persons rendering emergency services shall be entitled to the privileges and immunities as are provided by state law to other registered and identified emergency management and disaster workers.

(Code 1982, § 8-26; Ord. No. 98-38, § 1, 9-21-1998)