Buzz
Across the United States, local and state leaders are proclaiming states of emergency to help manage the ongoing coronavirus crisis. Countries like Italy and Japan have followed suit with similar declarations. But what exactly does this term mean in practice?
State and Local Responses
The specifics may differ from state to state, but in general, declaring a state of emergency grants the governor and their emergency management team additional flexibility to respond swiftly and with optimal coordination. These powers are often straightforward: the governor can shut down state offices, activate the National Guard and other first responders, and issue evacuation guidance if needed.
Certain powers are tailored to specific situations. For instance, during a blizzard, a governor can implement travel bans to allow snowplows and emergency vehicles to clear the roads.
Requesting Federal Assistance
If a disaster is so overwhelming that state and local authorities lack the resources or capability to respond effectively, the governor can request a federal emergency declaration. Following this, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) conducts a damage assessment to determine if the governor should seek a formal declaration from the president.
Once the president’s declaration is issued, state and local authorities can receive both financial and logistical support from the federal government. What qualifies as a federal emergency? The criteria are extensive, but FEMA provides some guidelines here.
