States of Emergency
During a state of emergency, people may be asked to stay off the roads to allow for easier movement of emergency vehicles. Beaches may be closed to protect people from dangerous surf conditions during a hurricane.
A state of emergency may also mean that people can be evacuated from their homes if there is a real or potential threat to lives.
Who Declares a State of Emergency?
The Emergency Management Office (EMO) would first consult with municipalities and other experts, such as the Canadian Hurricane Centre, and then advise the Minister of Emergency Management on whether a state of emergency should be declared. If agreed, the Minister would declare it. A state of emergency declared by the minister ends automatically after fourteen days, but may be renewed.
A mayor or council of a municipality can declare a state of local emergency. A state of local emergency terminates automatically after 7 days, but may be renewed.
In both cases, the public will be advised of the state of emergency.
If an evacuation is needed during a state of emergency, the local police will order it.
The evacuation order would be mandatory, and people would have to leave any area being evacuated.
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