Section 31-9-10

Local emergency management organizations; powers of political subdivisions with respect to emergency management.

(a) Each political subdivision of this state is hereby authorized and directed to establish a local organization for emergency management in accordance with the state emergency management plan and program and may confer or authorize the conferring, upon members of the auxiliary police, the powers of peace officers, subject to such restrictions as shall be imposed. The governing body of the political subdivision is authorized to appoint a director, who shall have direct responsibility for the organization, administration and operation of such local organization for emergency management, subject to the direction and control of such governing body. Each local organization for emergency management shall perform emergency management functions within the territorial limits of the political subdivision within which it is organized, and, in addition, shall conduct such functions outside of such territorial limits as may be required pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.

(b) Each political subdivision shall have the power and authority:

(1) To appropriate and expend funds, make contracts, obtain and distribute equipment, materials and supplies for emergency management purposes; to provide for the health and safety of persons and property, including emergency assistance to the victims of any disaster; and to direct and coordinate the development of emergency management plans and programs in accordance with the policies and plans set by the federal and state emergency management agencies.

(2) To appoint, employ, remove or provide, with or without compensation, air raid wardens, rescue teams, auxiliary fire and police personnel and other emergency management workers; provided, that compensated employees shall be subject to any existing civil service or merit system laws.

(3) To establish a primary and one or more secondary control centers to serve as command posts during an emergency.

(4) To assign and make available for duty the employees, property or equipment of the subdivision relating to fire fighting, engineering, rescue, health, medical and related service, police, transportation, construction and similar items or services for emergency management purposes, within or outside of the physical limits of the subdivision.

(5) In the event that any disaster as described in Section 31-9-2 occurs, to waive procedure and formalities otherwise required by law pertaining to the performance of public work, entering into contracts, the incurring of obligations, the employment of temporary workers, the utilization of volunteer workers, the rental of equipment, the purchase and distribution with or without compensation of supplies, materials and facilities and the appropriation and expenditure of public funds.

(Acts 1955, No. 47, p. 267, §10.)