When disaster strikes, state/local governments and emergency managers need quick access to resources that allow them to manage the crisis and get back to normal. In some cases, this requires the government to declare a state of emergency. A state of emergency increases the powers and authority of elected leaders, reducing the checks and balances that normally limit their actions. It can also change the way people behave by altering their rights and obligations as citizens of the state or municipality.
A state of emergency can be triggered by natural or man-made events and affects the whole country or just part of it. It may have a limited duration (for example, 30 days) or can be extended by parliament. During the state of emergency, the government can make emergency regulations, which can be more restrictive than regular laws, in order to tackle the situation at hand. These rules can affect a wide range of issues such as terrorism, war, severe damage to property, and widespread disruption.
During a state of emergency, the government can also take advantage of federal programs that help it deal with the crisis and return to normal. This can include staffing, logistics, and funds. It can even commandeer private goods and services such as labor, vehicles, and equipment to help with recovery efforts.
When a state of emergency is declared, the government must follow a number of principles laid out in international law. These include the principles of legality, proclamation, notification, time limit, exceptional threat, proportionality and non-discrimination.
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