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that whenever, due to an emergency resulting from a natural disaster, it becomes
imprudent, inexpedient, or impossible to conduct the affairs of municipal, county or other
political subdivisions, the governing body may meet at any place within or without the
territorial limits of the local government on the call of the presiding officer or any two (2)
members of the local government.
IV. EMERGENCY OPERATIONS
Section 33-15-17 provides that each local organization for emergency management shall
have a director who shall be appointed by the governing body of the political subdivision,
or political subdivisions acting jointly, and who shall have direct responsibility for the
organization, administration and operation of such local organization for emergency
management, subject to the direction and control of such governing body. Each local
organization for emergency management shall perform emergency management functions
within the territorial limits of the political subdivision within which it is organized, and, in
addition, shall conduct such functions outside of such territorial limits as may be required
pursuant to the provisions of the state emergency management plan.
In carrying out the provisions of this article each county and municipality, or the two (2)
acting jointly, or two (2) or more counties acting jointly, where there is joint organization,
in which any disaster as described in Section 33-15-5 occurs, shall have the power to enter
into contracts and incur obligations necessary to combat such disaster, protecting the health
and safety of persons and property, and providing emergency assistance to the victims of
such disaster.
Each county and municipality is authorized to exercise the powers vested under this section
in the light of the extreme emergency situation without regard to time-consuming
procedures and formalities prescribed by law pertaining to the performance of public work,
entering into contracts, the incurring of obligations, the employment of temporary workers,
the rental of equipment, the purchase of supplies and materials, the levying of taxes and
the appropriation and expenditure of public funds
Each county and each municipality, or two (2) or more counties acting jointly, shall have
the power and authority:
(1) To appropriate and expend funds, make contracts, obtain and distribute
equipment, materials, and supplies for emergency management purposes; provide
for the health and safety of persons and property, including emergency assistance
to the victims of any enemy attack or man-made, technological or natural disasters;
and to direct and coordinate the development of emergency management plans and
programs in accordance with the policies and plans set by the federal and state
emergency management agencies;
(2) To appoint, employ, remove, or provide, with or without compensation, air raid
wardens, rescue teams, auxiliary fire and police personnel, and other emergency
management workers;