Chapter 2.68
EMERGENCY SERVICES
Sections:
2.68.030 Director of emergency services – Powers and duties.
2.68.040 Disaster and emergency powers of director.
2.68.010 Purpose.
The declared purposes of this chapter are to provide for the preparation and carrying out of plans for the emergency defense of persons and property within the city in the event of a disaster and to provide for the coordination of emergency services functions of the city with all other public agencies and affected private persons, corporations and organizations. Any expenditures made in connection with such emergency service activities, including mutual aid activities, shall be deemed conclusively to be for the direct protection and benefit of the inhabitants and property of the city. (Ord. 174 § 1, 1952)
2.68.020 Definitions.
For the purposes of this chapter, the following terms mean as defined in this section:
A. “Disaster” means actual or threatened enemy attack, sabotage, extraordinary fire, flood, storm, epidemic, riot, earthquake or other similar public calamity.
B. “Emergency services” means the preparation for and the carrying out of all emergency functions, other than functions for which military forces are primarily responsible, to prevent, minimize and repair injury and damage resulting from disasters. It shall not include nor does any provision of this chapter apply to any condition relating to a labor controversy. (Ord. 174 § 2, 1952)
2.68.030 Director of emergency services – Powers and duties.
There is created the position of director of emergency services. The director shall be appointed by the mayor. The duties of the director shall be:
A. To control and direct the effort of the emergency services organization of the city for the accomplishment of the purposes of this chapter;
B. To direct coordination and cooperation between divisions, services and staff of the emergency services organization of the city, and to resolve questions of authority and responsibility that may arise between them;
C. To represent the emergency services organization of Spokane County in all dealings with public or private agencies pertaining to civil defense and disaster. (Ord. 174 § 3, 1952)
2.68.040 Disaster and emergency powers of director.
In the event of the proclamation of a disaster as herein provided, or the proclamation of a state of extreme emergency by the Governor or the State Director of Emergency Services, the director is empowered:
A. To make and issue rules and regulations on matters reasonably related to the protection of life and property as affected by such disaster; provided, however, such rules and regulations must be confirmed at the earliest practicable time by the city council;
B. To obtain vital supplies, equipment and such other properties found lacking and needed for the protection of the life and property of the people, and bind the city for the fair value thereof, and if required immediately, to commandeer the same for public use;
C. To require emergency services of any city officer or employee and, in the event of proclamation of a state of extreme emergency by the Governor in the region in which this city is located, to command the aid of as many citizens of this community as he thinks necessary in the execution of his duties; such persons shall be entitled to all privileges, benefits and immunities as are provided by state law for registered emergency services worker volunteers;
D. To requisition necessary personnel or material of any city department or agency;
E. To execute all of the special powers conferred upon him by this chapter or by resolution adopted pursuant thereto, all powers conferred upon him by any statute, agreement approved by the city council or by any other lawful authority. (Ord. 174 § 4, 1952)
2.68.050 Loyalty oath.
All persons employed or associated in any capacity with any emergency services organization within the state must take the oath prescribed by Section 15 of the Washington Emergency Services Act of 1951. (Ord. 174 § 5, 1952)