A state of emergency allows the government to take on additional powers and suspend certain freedoms. It typically is triggered by a natural disaster, but it can also be declared during man-made threats like terrorist attacks. A charitable interpretation is that the government identifies an exceptional and imminent danger to its citizens and needs additional emergency powers in order to act with speed and due diligence.
Other, more sinister interpretations are that the government declares a state of emergency in order to take advantage of the additional powers. This could include confiscating property, ordering people to evacuate, allowing large expenses without proper counselling and due process and so on. Regardless of the reasons for declaring a state of emergency, the constitution is clear that such measures must be proportional to the level of risk and that the government must work to restore normal conditions as soon as possible.
If you are in a state of emergency, follow the instructions of local officials. They will depend on the specific situation, but they may include things like:
– Depending on the state of emergency, some stores and businesses may stay open. However, it is important to listen to local news and contact business owners directly if you are planning on going out.
– Schools may be closed or delayed. Each school district will make decisions based on local conditions.
The State of Emergency will last until conditions return to normal, or the governor decides to lift it.