A Message From Your EMA Director| What Is A Declared State Of Emergency?

Several people have inquired as to what it means when the Governor declares a State of Emergency.

The Governor declares a State of Emergency when he or she believes a disaster has occurred or may be imminent that is severe enough to require state aid to supplement local resources in preventing or alleviating damages, loss, hardship or suffering. This declaration authorizes the governor to speed state agency assistance to communities in need. It enables him or her to make resources immediately available to rescue, evacuate, shelter, provide essential commodities like heating, fuel, and food.

A State of Emergency declaration should not be confused or misconstrued as a type of weather alert, watch, or warning. Often times a State of Emergency is declared by the Governor without unaffected counties taking any further action. If there is a high probability that acounty is going to be directly affected, that county will often times make a proclamation that emergency conditions exist. This enables that county to implement emergency plans and allows the county to activate necessary resources in preparation of the emergency event.

This procedure allows the affected county or counties the possibility to be eligible for reimbursement if the President declares a State of Emergencyfor the affected state or states. If FEMA makes funding available the affected county or counties can then apply for those available funds to assist in the costs incurred during the emergency event and even in the recovery efforts from the disaster or emergency event.

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