§ 18-21. Purpose.

The purposes of this article are to:

(1)

Reduce the vulnerability of people and the community to damage, injury and loss of life and property resulting from:

a.

Natural or manmade catastrophes;

b.

Riots; or

c.

Hostile military or paramilitary action.

(2)

Prepare for the prompt and efficient rescue, care and treatment of persons victimized or threatened by disaster.

(3)

Provide a setting conducive to the rapid and orderly start of restoration and rehabilitation of persons and property affected by disasters.

(4)

Clarify and strengthen the roles of the mayor, city council, city administrator and city departments in prevention of, preparation for, response to and recovery from disasters.

(5)

Authorize and provide for the cooperation of activities relating to disaster:

a.

Prevention;

b.

Preparedness; and

c.

Response and recovery.

(6)

Authorize and provide for the coordination of activities relating to disaster prevention, preparedness, response and recovery by departments and officers of the city, agencies of the private sector and similar activities in which the federal government, the state and its political subdivisions may participate.

(7)

Provide a disaster management system embodying all aspects of predisaster preparedness and post-disaster response.

(Ord. No. 06-11-60, § 1(ch. 15, art. 2, § 1), 11-21-2006; Ord. No. 08-03-05, § 1(ch. 15, art. 2, § 1), 3-17-2008; Ord. No. 08-06-08, § 1(ch. 15, art. 2, § 1), 6-2-2008; Ord. No. 08-08-19, § 1(ch. 15, art. 3, § 1), 8-18-2008)

State law reference

Authority for establishment of local emergency management organization, O.C.G.A. § 38-3-27.