This chapter provides the means for protecting the lives and property of the citizens of Woodway in the event of a disaster, through establishment of planning, training and an emergency organization. It is authorized by RCW 38.52.070.
(Ord. 206 § 1, 1987; Ord. 17-578 § 1 (Exh. B (part)), 2017)
A. 
Disaster.
1. 
"Disaster"
as used in this chapter shall mean an event or set of circumstances which demands immediate action to preserve public health, protect life, protect public property or to provide relief to any stricken area within the Town overtaken by such occurrences, and/or reaches such a dimension or degree of destructiveness as to warrant the Mayor proclaiming the existence of a disaster or the Governor declaring a state of emergency in accordance with appropriate local and State statute.
2. 
The proclamation of a disaster by the Mayor should be accompanied simultaneously by:
a. 
A public proclamation posted on all the Town posting boards and the Town's website; and
b. 
The prompt effort to serve personal notice to all members of the Town Council, with service modes to include confirmed telephone contact or personal service by Town staff.
B. 
Snohomish County Department of Emergency Management (DEM). DEM provides local disaster management functions for the Woodway area, including coordination between Woodway and other agencies and organizations for disaster preparedness and disaster response.
(Ord. 04-430 § 1, 2004; Ord. 17-578 § 1 (Exh. B (part)), 2017)
The emergency operations plan, to the extent that it does not conflict with this chapter, shall govern disaster preparedness and disaster response in the Town. The emergency operations plan and any amendments thereto shall be subject to the approval of the Mayor and shall immediately take effect upon approval by the Mayor.
(Ord. 04-430 § 2, 2004; Ord. 17-578 § 1 (Exh. B (part)), 2017)
The Emergency Management Organization of the Town is created and shall consist of the following:
A. 
The Mayor shall have direct responsibility for the organization, administration and operation of the Emergency Management Organization for the Town and shall either serve as or appoint a Disaster Coordinator.
B. 
The Disaster Coordinator should coordinate emergency management activities with the Director of DEM.
(Ord. 04-430 § 3, 2004; Ord. 17-578 § 1 (Exh. B (part)), 2017)
Subject to the direction and control of the Mayor, the Disaster Coordinator shall be empowered as follows:
A. 
To direct responsibility for disaster coordination, including, but not limited to, the organization, administration, and operation of the Emergency Management Committee, and the resolution of questions of authority and responsibility arising among the various members of such organization;
B. 
To draft, review and recommend disaster preparedness and mutual aid plans and/or agreements, and such ordinances and resolutions as are necessary to implement such plans and agreements;
C. 
To organize and direct the training of the Emergency Management Committee, including practice drills;
D. 
To represent the Town in all dealings with public and/or private agencies regarding the provision of disaster services in the event of a disaster;
E. 
To designate buildings and/or premises as shelters for persons and/or property in the event of a disaster;
F. 
To propose rules and regulations on matters reasonably related to the protection of lives and/or property injured or damaged, or likely to be injured or damaged, by a disaster.
(Ord. 04-430 § 4, 2004; Ord. 17-578 § 1 (Exh. B (part)), 2017)
The following elected officials shall, in the order listed, act on behalf of the Mayor if he/she is unable to carry out his/her duties, in carrying out the purposes of this chapter or the provisions of the emergency management plan:
A. 
Mayor Pro Tem;
B. 
The most senior Town Councilmember;
C. 
The remaining Town Councilmembers in order of continuous seniority.
(Ord. 04-430 § 5, 2004; Ord. 17-578 § 1 (Exh. B (part)), 2017)
There shall be no liability on the part of any person, partnership, corporation, the State or any political subdivision thereof, who owns or maintains any buildings or premises that have been designated by the Town Disaster Coordinator as disaster shelters, for any injuries sustained by any person while in or upon said building or premises, or as a result of any act of omission, or in any way arising from the designation of such premises as a shelter; provided such person has entered, gone upon or into said building or premises for the purpose of seeking refuge therein during a disaster. This section shall not apply to the willful acts of such owner or occupant or his or her servants, agents or employees. This section shall apply during a declared emergency or to any practice drill authorized by this chapter.
(Ord. 206 § 7, 1987; Ord. 17-578 § 1 (Exh. B (part)), 2017)
These offenses shall be punishable as misdemeanors by a fine not to exceed five hundred dollars:
A. 
No person shall willfully obstruct, hinder or delay any member of the disaster coordination organization in the enforcement of any lawful rule or regulation issued pursuant to this chapter, or in the performance of any duty required by this chapter.
B. 
No person shall wear, carry or display any means of emergency identification specified by the State Department of Emergency Services, unless that person is an authorized member of the disaster coordinating organization.
(Ord. 206 § 6, 1987; Ord. 17-578 § 1 (Exh. B (part)), 2017)