3. Emergency evacuations policy revision

CASS COUNTY COMMISSION POLICY MANUAL 16.50 SUBJECT: EMERGENCY EVACUATION PROCEDURES FOR RESIDENTS ADOPTED DATE: MARCH 21, 2011 PAGE 1 OF 2 The need to evacuate portions of Cass County may arise in a number of varying situations. Hazardous material releases, fire, plane crashes, terrorist activities, and civil disorder may require the evacuation of a contained area. Likewise, flooding or other large weather events may require the evacuation of very small or large area. An Incident Commander from the Sheriff's Department or local fire department has the authority to evacuate all or part of a small number of buildings during smaller emergency incidents. The Cass County Evacuation Plan is maintained in Annex II of the Cass County Emergency Operations Plan and is reviewed and updated on an annual basis by the Cass County Emergency Manager. The plan provides the framework to ensure the safe and orderly evacuation of residents who are threatened by hazards. It identifies roles, responsibilities, and capabilities to specific departments and agencies. The Governor of North Dakota has the authority to issue a declaration of Disaster Emergency under Chapter 37 of the N. D. C. C. During the state of emergency or disaster the governor has the authority to direct and compel the evacuation of all or part of the population from any stricken or threatened area within the state if the action is necessary for the preservation of life or other disaster mitigation, response or recovery. Chapter 37 of the N. D. C. C. requires that a local mandatory evacuation order may only be declared by the principal executive officer of the county or city. It may not be continued or renewed for a period in excess of seven days except by or with the consent of the governing board of the county or city. The N.D.C. C. also requires that a mandatory evacuation order must be given prompt and general publicity and be filed promptly with the county auditor. The Cass County Commission has the authority to order (that is command or direct), but not to compel, evacuation in the event of a disaster emergency. This authority should be exercised after a local disaster or emergency has been declared by the county governing body upon finding that a disaster has occurred or is imminent. The request for evacuation will originate with the Incident Commander at the scene in charge of a specific incident who is well aware of the potential consequence to lives and property of the local citizens. The request for evacuation is forwarded to the EOC, (if it is activated), or through proper channels. The County Emergency Manager or Incident Commander will contact the Commission Chair or in the chair's absence, the Vice Chair requesting an evacuation order. The order may be continued beyond seven days only with the full consent of the county commission.