A state of emergency is a situation in which a government has the power to put through policies it otherwise wouldn’t be allowed to for the safety and well-being of citizens. It can be declared before, during or after a natural disaster, civil unrest, armed conflict, medical pandemic or epidemic or biosecurity risk. It gives the executive branch of a country significantly increased authority over the affected area and reduces the checks and balances that traditionally limit its powers.
State of emergencies are often accompanied by travel restrictions and evacuations. They may also impose limits on what individuals can do, buy or possess as they go about their daily lives. The decision to declare a state of emergency is made by the governor of the State in which the event takes place. Each emergency is different and will affect the decisions made by State officials to respond to that particular incident.
The use of state of emergencies can be beneficial when atypical incidents arise that are creating alarmingly sharp increases in morbidity and mortality, or when the response is impeded by legal authorities, legislative gridlock or by special interest influence. Emergency declarations activate resources and authority that would be otherwise unavailable through the traditional legislative or regulatory process and can mitigate harm in the interim, potentially saving lives.
In the US, federal states of emergencies provide access to a wide range of federal resources, including assistance with personnel, supplies and logistics. They also allow the President to suspend regular civil rights but only in very specific situations, such as when national security is at risk or a military invasion is imminent.
About the Author
