§ 21-204. Declaration of a state of local emergency duration; alteration and rescission.

(a)

Where time permits, a declaration of emergency will be declared by vote of a quorum of the board of county commissioners. In accordance with the provisions of chapter 252, Florida Statutes, which authorizes waiver of certain procedures in the event of an emergency, when a quorum of the board of county commissioners in unable to meet, the chairman of the board of county commissioners; in his absence the vice-chairman of the board of county commissioners; in his absence the county administrator or his designee; or in his absence the emergency management officer is empowered to declare a state of local emergency whenever it is determined that a natural or man-made disaster or emergency has occurred or that the occurrence or threat of one is imminent and requires immediate and expeditious action. All orders issued under this section shall indicate the nature of the emergency, the area or areas threatened, and the conditions which have brought the emergency about or which make possible its termination. The content of such orders shall be promptly disseminated by means calculated to bring it to the attention of the general public and to the governing bodies of the municipalities within Hernando County.

(b)

The duration of each state of local emergency declared shall not exceed seven (7) days. It may be extended, as necessary, in seven-day or lesser increments, by the board of county commissioners or the individuals named herein if there is not a quorum of the board of county commissioners to act.

(c)

Any state of local emergency declared may be altered or rescinded during the continued or threatened existence of a state of local emergency by the issuance of a subsequent order of the board of county commissioners or the individuals named herein if there is not a quorum of the board of county commissioners to act.

(d)

Because a declaration of a state of emergency will have a major impact on other governmental officials and agencies, wherever possible before a state of emergency is declared every effort will be made to inform and consult with the key officials so that they may be aware of the emergency and take appropriate action to safeguard the public interest.

(Ord. No. 97-07, § 4, 5-6-97)