A. The city council is expressly authorized to declare a state of emergency upon the occurrence or threat of widespread or severe damage, injury or loss of life or property resulting from any natural cause or cause of human origin, including but not limited to fire, flood, earthquake, wind, storm, hazardous substance incident, oil spill or other water contamination requiring action to avert danger or damage, volcanic activity, epidemic, air pollution, blight, drought, infestation, explosion, civil disturbance or hostile military or paramilitary action.

B. The Mayor is expressly authorized to declare a state of emergency under the circumstances described in subsection A if the city council is unavailable or unable to make such a declaration. (Ord. 2002-5 § 1 (Part))