§ 14-2-1. Declaration of local emergency.

(a)

A local emergency may be declared by the Director of Emergency Management with the consent of the Board of Supervisors. In the event that the Board cannot convene due to the emergency or disaster or other exigent circumstances, the Director or, in his absence, the Deputy Director, or in the absence of both the Director and Deputy Director, any member of the Board of Supervisors may declare the existence of a local emergency, subject to confirmation by the governing body at its next regularly scheduled meeting or at a special meeting within 14 days of the declaration, whichever occurs first. When in its judgment all emergency actions have been taken, the Board shall take appropriate action to end the declared emergency.

(b)

A declaration of a local emergency shall activate the local emergency operations plan and authorize the furnishing of aid and assistance thereunder.

(c)

Whenever a local emergency has been declared, the Director of Emergency Management or, in his absence, the Deputy Director, or in the absence of both the Director and Deputy Director, any member of the Board of Supervisors is authorized by the Board to control, restrict, allocate or regulate the use, sale, production and distribution of food, fuel, clothing and other commodities, materials, goods, services and resource systems which do not impact systems affecting adjoining political subdivisions, enter into contracts and incur obligations on behalf of the County necessary to combat such threatened or actual disaster, protect the health and safety of persons and property, and provide emergency assistance to the victims of such disaster. In exercising the powers vested under this section, under the supervision and control of the Board, such director may proceed without regard to time-consuming procedures and formalities prescribed by law (except mandatory constitutional requirements) pertaining to the performance of public work, entering into contracts, incurring of obligations, employment of temporary workers, rental of equipment, purchase of supplies and materials, levying of taxes and appropriation and expenditure of public funds, providing such funds in excess of appropriations in the current approved budget, unobligated, are available.

(d)

Whenever a local emergency has been declared, the Director, Coordinator or Deputy Coordinator shall notify the Virginia Department of Emergency Management when all local resources have been committed and assistance is needed from the state. (2-87-14; 26-00-14; 52-05-14.)