Source: www.wtxl.com
State of emergencies have been declared in Florida, California, Texas, Louisiana, and many other states. Because of this system and order that state of emergencies give us, we are then able to be protected against recurring natural disasters. The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO), a nonprofit organization representing public health agencies in the United State since 1942 defines what a “state of emergency” is, explains the process that ruling a state of emergency has to follow and finally what ruling a state of emergency provides for the state. A State of Emergency allows a state to bypass certain regulations and provides the states with immediate aid.
According to the ASTHO, “when a government declares a state of emergency, this decision determines the legal and operational resources available to respond to an emergency and has implications for governments, the private sector, and the public”(ASTHO Emergency Declarations and Authorities). This means that when this happens, the state will be able to get all the aid that is necessary for them to rebuild after a natural disaster strikes. The State of Emergency allows aid to supplement local resources in preventing or alleviating damages, loss, hardship or suffering. The “declaration of a state emergency triggers an array of authorities and actions by state and/or local governments” (ASTHO Emergency Declarations and Authorities). This system was created to help out states that have been hit by natural disaster or any disaster of any kind but, to officially declare one, it there is a processes.
In order to declare a state of emergency, a state has to go through a short process The process starts with an executive order “ or other declaration to that effect. The declaration addresses the effective dates and duration of the declaration”. Depending on the severity of the damage or the severity or the situation, some rules or regulations can be waived during this time. A state legislature, local legislative body, governor, or the state executive officers can approve the declaration depending on the location of the disaster.In conclusion, a state of emergency allows a state to bypass certain regulations and provides the states with immediate aid. This call allows aid to be provided to states affected by natural disaster and prevents and alleviates damages, loss, hardship or suffering.
The next question I will be addressing is:
-Who can more effectively provide aid, the government or private companies?
