As used in this section, the following terms
shall have the meaning set forth:
DISASTER
An unusual incident resulting from natural or unnatural causes
which endangers the health, safety or resources of the residents of
the Township of Springfield, and which is or may become too large
in scope or unusual in type to be handled in its entirety by regular
Township operating services.
EMERGENCY
The term "emergency" shall include "disaster" and "war emergency"
as defined in this section.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT FORCES
The employees, equipment and Township facilities of all departments,
boards, institutions and commissions. In addition, it shall include
all volunteer personnel, equipment and facilities contributed by,
or obtained from, volunteer persons or agencies.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT VOLUNTEER
Any person duly registered, identified and appointed by the
Township Emergency Management Director/Coordinator of the Office of
Emergency Management and assigned to participate in the emergency
management activity.
LOCAL DISASTER EMERGENCY
Any disaster, or the imminence thereof, resulting from natural
or unnatural causes other than enemy attack and limited to the extent
that action by the Governor under the New Jersey Emergency Management
Disaster Control Act is not required.
REGULATIONS
Plans, program and other emergency procedures deemed essential
to civil defense.
VOLUNTEER
Contributing a service, equipment or facilities to the emergency
management organization without remuneration.
WAR EMERGENCY
Any disaster occurring anywhere within the Township of Springfield
as the result of enemy attack or the imminent danger thereof.
There is hereby established an Office of Emergency
Management, under the direction of the Emergency Management Director/Coordinator.
The Township Emergency Management Director/Coordinator
may exercise the emergency powers and duties as defined in this article.
The judgment of the Director/Coordinator shall be the sole criteria
necessary to invoke the emergency powers provided in this article
and other appropriate authorities. Nothing in this article shall be
construed as abridging or curtailing the powers of the Council.
During any period when disaster threatens or
when the Township has been struck by disaster, within the definition
of this article, the Council may promulgate such regulations as it
deems necessary to protect life and property and preserve critical
resources. The Township Emergency Management Director/Coordinator
shall assist in implementing such regulations.
Any person who shall do any of the following shall be adjudged a disorderly person and shall be subject to penalties provided in Chapter
1, General Provisions, Article
III, Penalties and Enforcement, in the discretion of the court:
A. Commit any unauthorized or otherwise unlawful act
during the threat or imminence of danger in any emergency that jeopardizes
the health, welfare and safety of the people; or
B. Commit any unauthorized or otherwise unlawful act
during the threat or imminence of danger during any emergency that
contributes to the loss of or destruction to property; or
C. Hamper, impede or in any way interfere with any person
who is performing any function under this act; or
D. Drive any motor vehicle in a prohibited area during
a blackout or while an air raid alert is in progress or in any other
manner contrary to the rules and regulations covering any period of
danger or any emergency; or
E. Go within a prohibited area contrary to rules and
regulations; or
F. Refuse to obey the lawful orders of any air raid warden,
civilian protection worker or other person who is duly authorized
to perform any act or function during the threat or imminence of danger
or any emergency; or
G. Refuse to cooperate with any air raid warden, civilian
protection workers or any person who is duly authorized to perform
any act or function in connection with activities during the threat
or imminence of danger or any emergency; or
H. Violate any order, rule or regulation adopted by the
Governor and promulgated as provided by the New Jersey Civil Defense
Act; or
I. Violate any other provision of this section or the
New Jersey Civil Defense Act, or any regulation adopted thereunder.
There is hereby established a Municipal Emergency
Management and Disaster Control Council, to consist of not more than
15 members, to be appointed by the Mayor, and who shall serve at the
pleasure of the Mayor. Such Council shall have the powers and duties
as prescribed by N.J.S.A. Appendix A:9-41.