The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this article, shall have the
meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates
a different meaning:
Emergency management
means the preparation for and the execution of all emergency functions, other than
functions for which military forces are primarily responsible, to mitigate, minimize,
and repair injury and damage resulting from emergencies or disasters, or the imminent
threat thereof, of manmade or natural origin, caused by enemy attack, sabotage, civil
disturbance, major accident, fire, flood, earthquake, wind, storm, oil spill, or other
water contaminations requiring emergency action to avert danger or damage, epidemic,
air contamination, blight, drought, infestation, explosion, riot or other hostile
action, or other causes. These functions include, without limitation, firefighting
services, police services, medical and health services, rescue, engineering, warning
services, communications, defense from radiological, chemical and other special weapons,
evacuation of persons from stricken areas, emergency welfare services, emergency transportation,
plant protection, temporary restoration of public utility services, and other functions
related to civilian protection, together with all other activities necessary or incidental
to the preparation for and carrying out of the foregoing functions.
