A state of emergency is a legal status that authorizes a government to put into effect policies they wouldn’t normally be able to for the safety of the public. It can be called during or after a natural disaster, civil unrest, armed conflict, medical pandemic or epidemic or any other biosecurity risk. There are normally conditions required before a state of emergency can be called and limitations placed on how long it can be maintained, though these can be circumvented in certain cases.
During a state of emergency, the federal government can step in to help with disaster response and recovery efforts. The Stafford Act requires that a request for a declaration of a major disaster or emergency by the Governor of the affected State (which includes the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa and Guam) be sent to the President.
Once a declaration has been made, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) can activate an array of assistance programs that are available to the state and its territories. In addition, states can use their own funds to augment the FEMA programs, including Individual Assistance, Community Catastrophe Prevention and Response and Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.
In general, a state of emergency can direct the local government to take steps such as imposing travel restrictions or limiting access to food and water supplies. However, every situation is different, and the instructions will vary from place to place. In a state of emergency, private businesses should review their disaster plans and policies and decide whether to delay opening or close early or cancel operations, designate essential employees and establish any necessary travel restrictions.