§ 2-61. Definitions.

The following definitions shall apply in the interpretation of this article:

Chief executive shall mean the mayor of the City of Abbeville, or the president of the Vermilion Parish police Jury, who by virtue of his office is responsible for meeting the dangers to the political subdivision, and to the people, presented by an actual or potential disaster.

Civil defense, emergency preparedness and emergency management shall mean the preparation for carrying out of all disaster emergency programs, activities and functions, except those for which military forces are primarily responsible, to prevent, minimize and repair injury and damage resulting from a disaster as defined in this section. Such preparations shall include the preparation and maintenance of plans and procedures, in coordination with law enforcement, fire, public works, health and medical, safety and private organizations, volunteer disaster relief organizations, industry and individuals, that will provide to the greatest extent possible, organized and effective disaster/emergency response to meet the threats that may arise; to prepare plans to provide warning to the public of man-made, natural or technological disasters, actual or impending, and cooperate with private industry in an effort to assure adequate and timely warning of officials and the public of an actual or impending accident or incident, including the loss or spill of any hazardous material, chemical product, petroleum product or substance in any form which may be a hazard to the health, safety or welfare of the public or environment.

Civil defense forces shall mean the employees, equipment and facilities of city and parish departments, boards, commissions and institutions; and, in addition, it shall include volunteer or auxiliary personnel, equipment and/or facilities contributed by or obtained from volunteer persons, agencies or organizations.

Civil defense volunteer shall mean any person duly registered, identified and appointed in accordance with the Louisiana civil defense law, R.S. 29:602, and assigned by the coordinator of the Office of Emergency Preparedness and Public Safety to participate in the civil defense and emergency preparedness activity, including those military reservists recruited to augment the emergency management staff under the individual mobilization augmentee program.

Disaster or emergency shall mean the occurrence or imminent threat of widespread or sever damage, injury or loss of life or property resulting from any natural, man-made or technological cause, including, but not limited to, hurricane, tornado, flood, high water, wind driven water, storm surge or tidal wave, earthquake, drought, energy shortage or power failure, fire, explosion, loss or spill or any hazardous material, hostile enemy action, terrorist action or any other disaster emergency that may occur.

Emergency preparedness coordinator, emergency management coordinator or civil defense director shall mean that person duly appointed in accordance with the provisions of the civil defense law, R.S. 29:601 et seq., the duties and responsibilities assigned to the Office of Emergency Preparedness and Public Safety, and who shall act as the authorized agent of the chief executive, and under their general authority in all matters relating to the civil defense and emergency preparedness program and activities.

Public safety shall mean all actions taken prior to, during or after a disaster, including operational planning for the protection of the public, and the safety and welfare thereof.

Regulations shall include all plans, programs, executive orders, proclamations or emergency declarations which, after approval and adoption, shall have the force and effect of law.

Volunteer shall mean any person contributing a service, equipment or facility to the civil defense emergency preparedness activity.

(Ord. No. 84-05A, § 5A-3, 5-15-84)

State law reference

Definitions, R.S. 29:704.