3. Emergency evacuations policy revision

CASS COUNTY DISABLED AGED 65 AND OVER Total Population Population 65 and Over Percent Type of Disability 65 and With a with a Going outside Over Disability Disability Sensory Physical Mental Self -Care the home 11,176 4,125 36.9% 1,393 2,720 760 636 1,860 Discussion 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 may require the evacuation of very small or large area. Portions of this plan may also be of use during large weather events such as tornadoes, flooding, and power outages during severe weather. The Sheriffs Department or a rural fire department may have the need to evacuate all or part of a small number of buildings during smaller emergency incidents. Both departments are trusted to use their discretion in these situations, and these types of incidents do not come under the scope of this plan. Execution This plan is in effect at such time as: 1. The Governor receives notification of a potential or actual request for evacuation from the N.D. Department of Emergency Services. 2. The Director of NDDES, or designee, requests appropriate state departments or agencies to assist with the needs of evacuees and to collaborate with private agencies. 3. The Governor of North Dakota declares an emergency or disaster. Evacuation Authority of the Governor The Governor has the authority to issue a declaration of Disaster Emergency under Chapter 37 of the N.D.C.C. The declaration shall continue until the governor determines that the threat of an emergency has passed or the disaster has been dealt with to the extent that emergency conditions no longer exist. The Legislative assembly by concurrent resolution may terminate a state of emergency or disaster at any time. During the state of emergency or disaster the governor has the authority to direct and compel (that is forcibly remove) 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. Evacuation Authority of County Commissioners and Mayors County Commissioners and local elected officials have the authority to order (that is command or direct), but not to compel, evacuation within their jurisdiction in the event of a disaster emergency. The authority of elected officials 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. 3