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1332 Act 1978-323 LAWS OF PENNSYLVANIA

No. 1978-323

AN ACT

SB 1104

AmendingTitle 35(Healthand Safety)ofthePennsylvaniaConsolidatedStatutes,addingprovisions relating to EmergencyManagementServicesand makingrepeals.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TITLE 35

HEALTH AND SAFETYPART V. EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT SERVICES

Chapter71. GeneralProvisions

SubchapterA. PreliminaryProvisions

§ 7101. Shorttitle of part.§ 7102. Definitions.§ 7103. Purposesof part.§ 7104. Limitations.

SubchapterB. InterstateCivil Defenseand DisasterCompact

§ 7111. Interstatecivil defenseanddisastercompactenacted.

Chapter73. CommonwealthServices

SubchapterA. The Governorand DisasterEmergencies

§ 7301. Generalauthority of Governor.§ 7302. Temporaryhousing.§ 7303. Debris andwreckageremoval.§ 7304. Communitydisasterloans.§ 7305. Individual andfamily assistance.§ 7306. Appropriation of Federalfunds.§ 7307. Useand appropriationof unusedCommonwealthfunds.§ 7308. Laws suspendedduring emergencyassignments.

SubchapterB. PennsylvaniaEmergencyManagementAgency

§ 7311. Creation.§ 7312. Organization.§ 7313. Powersandduties.§ 7314. Utilization of existingservicesandfacilities.

Chapter75. Local Organizationsand Services

SubchapterA. GeneralProvisions

§ 7501. Generalauthority of political subdivisions.§ 7502. Local coordinatorof emergencymanagement.

SESSIONOF 1978 Act 1978-323 1333

§ 7503. Powersanddutiesof political subdivisions.§ 7504. Coordination,assistanceand mutualaid.

SubchapterB. Paymentof Expenses

§ 7511. Appropriationsby political subdivisions.§ 7512. Law applicableto localorganizations.§ 7513. Agreementsamongpolitical subdivisions.§ 7514. Paymentsinvolving onepolitical subdivision.§ 7515. Paymentsinvolving two or morepolitical subdivisions.

Chapter77. MiscellaneousProvisions

§ 7701. Duties concerningdisasterprevention.§ 7702. Acceptanceof services,gifts, grantsand loans.§ 7703. Interstatearrangements.§ 7704. Immunity from civil liability.§ 7705. Specialpowersof local agencies.§ 7706. Compensationfor accidentalinjury.§ 7707. Penalties.

The GeneralAssemblyof the Commonwealthof Pennsylvaniaherebyenactsas follows:

Section 1. Title 35, act of November25, 1970 (P.L.707,No.230),known asthePennsylvaniaConsolidatedStatutes,isamendedbyaddingapart to read:

TITLE 35HEALTH AND SAFETY

PartV. EmergencyManagementServices

PART VEMERGENCY MANAGEMENT SERVICES

Chapter71. GeneralProvisions73. CommonwealthServices75. Local OrganizationsandServices77. MiscellaneousProvisions

CHAPTER 71GENERAL PROVISIONS

SubchapterA. PreliminaryProvisionsB. InterstateCivil DefenseandDisasterCompact


SUBCHAPTERAPRELIMINARY PROVISIONS

Sec.7101. Shorttitle of part.7102. Definitions.7103. Purposesof part.7104. Limitations.

§ 7101. Short title of part.This part shall be known and may be cited as the “Emergency

ManagementServicesCode.”§ 7102. Definitions.

The following words and phraseswhenusedin this part shall have,unlessthecontextclearly indicatesotherwise,the meaningsgiven to themin this section:

“Agency.” The PennsylvaniaEmergencyManagementAgency.“Council.” The PennsylvaniaEmergencyManagementCouncil.“Disaster.” A man-madedisaster,natural disaster or war-caused

disaster.“Disasteremergency.” Thoseconditionswhichmayby investigation

made,be found, actuallyor likely, to:(1) affect seriously the safety,health or welfare of a substantial

numberof citizensof thisCommonwealthor precludetheoperationoruseof essentialpublic facilities;

(2) be of such magnitudeor severity as to renderessentialStatesupplementationof countyand local efforts or resourcesexertedorutilized in alleviating the danger,damage,suffering or hardshipfaced;and

(3) havebeencausedby forcesbeyondthecontrolof man,by reasonof civil disorder,riot or disturbance,or by factorsnot foreseenandnotknown to existwhenappropriationbills wereenacted.“Emergencymanagement.” The judiciousplanning,assignmentand

coordination of all available resourcesin an integratedprogram ofprevention, mitigation, preparedness,response and recovery foremergenciesof any kind, whether from attack, man-madeor naturalsources.

“Emergencyservices.” The preparationfor and the carryingout offunctions,other than functionsfor which military forces are primarilyresponsible,to prevent,minimizeandprovideemergencyrepairof injuryand damageresulting from disasters.,togetherwith all other activitiesnecessaryor incidental to the prepara.tionfor andcarryingout of thosefunctions.The functionsinclude,without limitation, firefightingservices,police services,medicalandhealth services,rescue,engineering,disasterwarning services,communications,radiological, shelter, chemical andotherspecialweaponsdefense,evacuationof personsfrom strickenareas,emergency welfare services, emergency transportation, emergency

SESSIONOF 1978 Act 1978-323 1335

resourcesmanagement,existingor properly assignedfunctions of plantprotection, temporary restorationof public utility servicesand otherfunctions relatedto civilian protection.

“Local emergency.” The conditiondeclaredby the local governingbodywhenin theirjudgmentthethreatoractualoccurrenceofadisasterisor threatensto be of sufficient severity and magnitude to warrantcoordinatedlocal governmentactionto preventor alleviatethe damage,loss,hardshiporsufferingthreatenedor causedthereby.A localemergencyarisingwholly or substantiallyoutof aresourceshortagemaybe declaredonly by the Governor,uponpetition of thelocalgoverningbody,whenhedeemsthe threator actualoccurrenceof a disasterto be of sufficientseverityandmagnitudeto warrantcoordinatedlocalgovernmentactiontopreventor alleviatethe damage,loss,hardshipor sufferingthreatenedorcausedthereby.

“Local organization.” A localemergencymanagementorganization.“Man-made disaster.” Any industrial, nuclear or transportation

accident, explosion, conflagration, power failure, natural resourceshortageor othercondition, exceptenemyaction,resulting from man-made causes,such as oil spills and other injurious environmentalcontamination,which threatensorcausessubstantialdamageto property,humansuffering, hardshipor lossof life.

“Natural disaster.” Any hurricane,tornado,storm,flood, high water,wind-driven water, tidal wave, earthquake, landslide, mudslide,snowstorm,drought,fire, explosionor othercatastrophewhich resultsinsubstantialdamageto property,hardship,sufferingorpossiblelossof life.

“Political subdivision.” Any county,city,borough,incorporatedtownor township.

“Resourceshortage.” Theabsence,unavailabilityor reducedsupplyofany raw or processednatural resource,or any commodities,goodsorservicesof any kind which beara substantialrelationshipto the health,safety, welfare and economic well-being of the citizens of thisCommonwealth.

“War-causeddisaster.” Any conditionfollowing an attackupon theUnited Statesresulting in substantialdamageto propertyor injury topersonsin the United Statescausedby use of bombs,missiles,shellfire,nuclear,radiological,chemicalor biological means,or otherweaponsorovert paramilitaryactions,or otherconditionssuchas sabotage.§ 7103. Purposesof part.

The purposesof this partare to:(1) Reduce vulnerability of people and communitiesof this

Commonwealthtodamage,injury andlossof life andpropertyresultingfrom disasters.

(2) Preparefor promptandefficient rescue,careandtreatmentofpersons~victimized or threatenedby disaster.

(3) Provide a settingconduciveto the rapid and orderlystart ofrestorationand rehabilitation of personsand propertyaffected bydisasters.


(4) Clarify and strengthen the roles of the Governor,Commonwealthagenciesand local government in prevention of,preparationfor, responseto and recoveryfrom disasters.

(5) Authorizeand provide for cooperationin disasterprevention,preparedness,responseandrecovery.

(6) Authorize andprovidefor coordinationof activities relatingtodisasterprevention,preparedness,responseand recoveryby agenciesandofficers ofthis Commonwealth,andsimilarState-localandFederal-State activities in which the Commonwealth and its politicalsubdivisionsparticipate.

(7) Provide a disastermanagementsystemembodyingall aspectsofpredisasterpreparednessand postdisasterresponse.

(8) Assist in prevention of disaster caused or aggravatedbyinadequateplanning for andregulationof public andprivatefacilitiesand land use.

(9) Supplement,without in anyway limiting, authorityconferredbypreviousstatutesof this Commonwealthandincreasethe capabilityofthe Commonwealthand localagencieshaving responsibilitiesfor civildefenseto performbothcivil defenseand disasterservices.

(10) Furtherthe operationalcapacitiesof Commonwealthagenciesto dealwith disastersituations.

(11) Furtherprogramsof educationand training.(12) Establishintegratedcommunicationscapabilitiesandwarning

systems.§ 7104. Limitations.

This part is not intendedto:(I) Interferewith the courseor conductof a labor dispute,except

that actionsotherwiseauthorizedby thispartorotherlawsmaybetakenwhennecessaryto forestall or mitigateimminentor existingdangertopublic health or safety.

(2) Affect the jurisdiction or responsibilitiesof police forces,firefighting forces,units of thearmedforcesof the UnitedStatesor ofany personnelthereofwhenon activedutyexceptthat Commonwealthand local disasteremergencyplansshall placerelianceupon the forcesavailablefor performanceof functions relatedto disasteremergencies.

(3) Limit, modify or abridge the authority of the Governor toproclaimmartial law or exerciseany otherpowersvestedin him underthe Constitution,statutes or common law of this Commonwealthindependentof, or in conjunctionwith, anyprovisionsof this part.

SUBCHAI~TERBINTERSTATE CIVIL DEFENSEAND DISASTERCOMPACT

Sec.7111. Interstatecivil defenseanddisastercompactenacted.

§ 7111. Interstatecivil defenseanddisastercompactenacted.The InterstateCivil Defenseand DisasterCompact is herebyenacted

SESSIONOF 1978 Act 1978-323 1337

into law andenteredinto with all jurisdictionslegallyjoiningthereinEi:ntheform substantiallyas follows:

Article 1

The purposeof thiscompactistoprovidemutualaid amongtheStates-inmeeting any emergencyor disasterfrom enemyattackor other cause(naturalor otherwise),includingsabotageandsubversiveactsanddirectattacks by bombs, shellfire and atomic, radiological, chemical,bacteriologicalmeansand otherweapons.The prompt, full andeffectiveutilization of the resourcesof the respectiveStates, including suchresourcesasmay be availablefrom the United StatesGoveTnmentoranyother sourceare essentialto the safety,care and welfareof the peoplethereof in the eventof enemyactionor otheremergency,andany otherresources, including personnel, equipment or supplies, shall beincorporatedinto a planor plansof mutualaid to bedevelopedamongthecivil defenseagenciesor similarbodiesofthe Statesthatarepartieshereto.Thedirectorsof civil defenseofall partyStatesshallconstitutea:cornmitteeto formulateplansandtotakeall necessarystepsfor theimpiementati:c.nofthis compact.

Article 2

It shall bethe dutyof eachpartyStateto formulatecivil defenseplansand programsfor applicationwithin suchState.Thereshall befrequentconsultationbetweenthe representativesof the Statesandwith the UnitedStatesGovernmentand the free exchangeof information and plans,including inventoriesof any materialsandequipmentavailablefor civildefense.In carryingout suchcivil defenseplansandprograms,the partyStatesshall, so far as possible,provideand follow uniform standards,practicesandrulesandregulationsincluding:

(a) Insignia, arm bandsandany otherdistinctivearticles todesignateand distinguishthe different civil defenseservices.

(b) Blackoutsandpracticeblackouts,air raid drills, mobilizationofcivil defenseforces,andother testsandexercises.

(c) Warnings and signals for drills or attacksand the mechanicaldevicesto be used in connectiontherewith.

(d) The effectivescreeningor extinguishingof all lights and lightingdevicesandappliances.

(e) Shuttingoff water mains,gasmains,electric powerconnections,and thesuspensionof all otherutility services.

(0 All materialsor equipmentusedor to be used for civil defense~urposesin ordertoassurethatsuchmaterialsandequipmentwilfteeasilyand freely interchangeablewhenusedin or by any otherparty State.

(g) The conduct of civilians and the movementand cessationofmovement of pedestriansand vehicular traffic prior, during andsubsequentto drills or attacks.

(h) The safetyof public meetingsor gatherings.(i) Mobile supportunits.


Article 3

Any partyStaterequestedto rendermutualaid shalltakesuchactionasis necessaryto provide andmakeavailablethe resourcescoveredby thiscompact in accordancewith the terms hereof: Provided, That it isunderstoodthat the State renderingaid may withhold resourcesto theextent necessaryto provide reasonableprotectionfor such State.Eachparty Stateshallextendto thecivil defenseforcesof any otherpartyStatewhile operatingwithin its Statelimits underthe termsandconditionsofthis compact,the samepowers(except that of arrest,unlessspecificallyauthorizedby thereceivingState),duties,rights,privilegesandimmunitiesas if they were performingtheir duties in the State in which normallyemployedorrenderingservices.Civil defenseforceswill continueunderthecommandandcontrolof their regularleadersbut theorganizationalunitswill comeunderthe operationalcontrol of the civil defenseauthoritiesofthe Statereceivingassistance.

Article 4

Wheneverany personholdsa license,certificateor otherpermit issuedby any State evidencingthe meetingof qualificationsfor professional,mechanicalor otherskills, suchpersonmayrenderaid involvingsuchskillin any partyStateto meetanemergencyor disasterandsuchStateshallgive duerecognitionto suchlicense,certificateor otherpermitas if issuedin the State in which aid is rendered.

Article 5

No partyStateor its officersor employeesrenderingaid inanotherSiatepursuantto this compactshallbeliable onaccountof anyactoromissionin goodfaith on the part of suchforceswhile soengagedoron accountofthe maintenanceor use of any equipmentor suppliesin connectiontherewith.

Artic]e 6

Inasmuchas it is probablethat the patternanddetail of the machineryfor mutualaid amongtwo or moreStatesmaydiffer from thatappropriateamongotherStatesparty hereto,this instrumentcontainselementsof abroadbasecommon to all Statesand nothing hereincontainedshallprecludeany State from enteringinto supplementaryagreementswithanotherStateor States.Suchsupplementaryagreementsmaycomprehendbut shall not be limited to provisionsfor evacuationand receptionofinjured andotherpersonsandtheexchangeof medical,fire, police,publicutility, reconnaissance,welfare, transportation and communicationspersonnel,equipmentand supplies.

Article 7

Eachparty Stateshall provide for the paymentof compensationanddeathbenefitsto injured membersof the civil defenseforcesof thatState

SESSIONOF 1978 Act 1978-323 1339

and the representativesof deceasedmembersof suchforcesin casesuchmemberssustaininjuries or arekilled while renderingaid pursuantto thiscompactin thesamemannerandon thesametermsasif theinjuryor deathweresustainedwithin such State.

Article 8

Any partyStaterenderingaid in anotherStatepursuanttothiscompactshall be reimbursedby the partyState receivingsuchaid for any lossordamage to or expenseincurred in the operationof any equipmentansweringa requestfor aid andfor the cost incurredin connectionwithsuchrequests:Provided,ThatanyaidingpartyStatemayassumeinwholeor in part such loss, damage,expenseor other cost,or may loan suchequipmentor donatesuch servicesto the receiving party Statewithoutchargeor cost: And, providedfurther,Thatanytwo or morepartyStatesmay enter into supplementaryagreementsestablishinga differentallocationof costsasamongthoseStates.TheUnited StatesGovernmentmay relievethe partyStatereceivingaid from any liability andreimbursethe partyStatesupplyingcivil defenseforcesfor thecompen~sationpaidtoand the transportation,subsistenceand maintenanceexpensesof suchforcesduringthetimeof the renditionof suchaid or assistanceoutsideiheStateand may also pay fair andreasonablecompensationfor the use orutilization of the supplies,materials,equipmentor facilities so utilized orconsumed.

Article 9

Plansfor theorderlyevacuationandreceptionofthecivilian populationas the resultof anemergencyor disastershallbeworkedoutfrom timetotime betweenrepresentativesof the partyStatesandthe variouslocalcivildefenseareasthereof.Suchplansshallinclude themannerof transportingsuchevacuees,the numberof evacueesto be receivedin differentareas,themanner in which food, clothing, housing, and medical care will beprovided,theregistrationof theevacuees,the providingoffacilitiesfor thenotificationof relativesor friendsandtheforwarding of suchevacueestootherareas,or thebringingin ofadditionalmaterials,suppliesandall otherrelevant factors.Such plansshall providethat theparty State receivingevacueesshall be reimbursedgenerally for the out-of-pocketexpensesincurred in receivingand caringfor suchevacuees,for expendituresfortransportation,food,clothing, medicinesand medicalcareandlike items.Suchexpendituresshall be reimbursedby the party State of which theevacueesare residentsor by the United StatesGovernmentunderplansapprovedby it. After theterminationoftheemergencyordisasterthepartyStateof which theevacueesare residentshall assumethe responsibilityforthe ultimatesupportor repatriationof suchevacuees.

Article 10

This compactshallbe availableto any State,territory or possessionof


theUnited Statesandthe District of Columbia.Theterm“State”mayalsoincludeany neighboringforeign countryor provinceor statethereof.

Article 11

The committeeestablishedpursuantto Article 1 of this compactmayrequesttheCivil DefenseAgencyofthe UnitedStatesGovernmentto actasan informational and coordinating body under this compact andrepresentativesof such agency of the United StatesGovernmentmayattendmeetingsof suchcommittee.

Article 12

This compactshallbecomeoperativeimmediatelyupon its ratificationby any Stateasbetweenit andany otherStateor Statesso ratifying,andshall be subject to approvalby Congressunless prior Congressionalapprovalhasbeengiven.Duly authenticatedcopiesof thiscompactandofsuchsupplementaryagreementsas maybeenteredinto shall,at thetimeoftheir approval,bedepositedwitheachof thepartyStatesandwith theCivilDefense Agency and other appropriateagenciesof the United StatesGovernment.

Article 13

This compactshallcontinuein forceandremainbindingon eachpartyStateuntil the Legislatureor the Governorof suchpartyStatetakesactionto withdrawtherefrom.Suchactionshallnotbeeffectiveuntil 30daysafternoticethereofhasbeensentby theGovernorof the partyStatedesiringtowithdraw to the Governorsof all otherparty States.

Article 14

This compactshall be construed-to effectuatethe purposesstated inArticle I. If any provisionof this compactis declaredunconstitutionalorthe applicability thereofto anypersonor circumstanceis held invalid, theconstitutionalityof the remainderof this compactandthe applicabilitythereofto otherpersonsandcircumstancesshallnot beaffectedthereby.

CHAPTER 73COMMONWEALTH SERVICES

SubchapterA. TheGovernorand DisasterEmergenciesB. PennsylvaniaEmergencyManagementAgency

SUBCHAPTER ATHE GOVERNOR AND DISASTER EMERGENCIES

Sec.7301. Generalauthority of Governor.7302. Temporaryhousing.7303. Debris andwreckageremoval.

SESSIONOF 1978 Act 1978-323 1341

7304. Communitydisasterloans.7305. Individual andfamily assistance.7306. Appropriation of Federalfunds.7307. Useandappropriationof unusedCommonwealthfunds.7308. Laws suspendedduring emergencyassignments.

§ 7301. Generalauthority of Governor.(a) Responsibilityto meetdisasters.—TheGovernoris responsiblefor

meeting the dangersto this Commonwealthand people presentedbydisasters.

(b) Executive orders, proclamationsand regulations.—Underthispart, the Governor may issue, amendand rescind executive orders,proclamationsandregulationswhichshallhavetheforceand-effectiofiaw.

(c) Declarationof disasteremergency.—Adisasteremergencyshallbedeclaredby executiveorderor proclamationoftheGovernoruponfindingthata disasterhasoccurredor that theoccurrenceor thethreatofadisasteris imminent. The stateof disasteremergencyshall continueuntil theGovernorfinds that thethreator dangerhaspassedor thedisasterhasbeendealt with to the extent that emergencyconditionsno longerexist andterminates the state of disaster emergency by executive order orproclamation,butno stateof disasteremergencymaycontinuefor longerthan 90 daysunlessrenewedby the Governor.The GeneralAssemblybyconcurrentresolutionmayterminatea stateof disasteremergencyat anytime. Thereupon, the Governor shall issue an executive order orproclamationendingthe stateof disasteremergency.All executiveordersor proclamationsissuedunderthis subsectionshall indicatethe natureofthe disaster,the areaor areasthreatenedandthe conditionswhichhavebroughtthedisasteraboutor which makepossibleterminationof thestateof disasteremergency.An executive order or proclamation shall bedisseminatedpromptly by meanscalculatedto bring its contentsto theattention of the generalpublic and,unlessthe circumstancesattendantupon the disasterpreventor impede,shall be promptly filed with thePennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and the LegislativeReferenceBureaufor publication underPart II of Title 45 (relating topublication andeffectivenessof Commonwealthdocuments).

(d) Activation of disaster response.—An executive order orproclamationof a stateof disasteremergencyshall activate the disasterresponseandrecoveryaspectsof the Commonwealthand localdisasteremergencyplansapplicableto the politicalsubdivisionorareain questionandshallbeauthorityfor thedeploymentanduseof anyforcesto whichtheplan or plansapplyand for useor distribution of anysupplies,equipmentandmaterialsandfacilities assembled,stockpiledor arrangedto be madeavailable pursuantto thispart or any otherprovision of law relatingtodisasteremergencies.

(e) Commanderinchiefofmilitary forces.—Duringthecontinuanceofany stateof disasteremergency,the Governoris commanderinchiefofthePennsylvaniamilitary forces. To the greatestextent practicable,the

1342 Aët 1978-323 LAWS OF PENNSYLVANIA

Governor shall delegate or assign command authority by priorarrangementembodiedin appropriateexecutiveordersorreguiations,butthisdoesnotrestricttheauthorityof theGovernortodo sobyordersissuedat the time of the disasteremergency.

(1) Additional powers.—Inaddlition to any other powersconferredupon the Governorby law, the Governormay:

(I) Suspendtheprovisionsof anyregulatorystatuteprescribingtheproceduresfor conductof Commonwealthbusiness,or theorders,rulesor regulationsof anyCommonwealthagency,if strict compliancewiththe provisionsof anystatute,order,ruleor regulationwould in anywayprevent,hinderor delaynecessaryactionincopingwiththeemergency.

(2) Utilize all available resources of the CommonwealthGovernmentand each political subdivision of this Commonwealthasreasonablynecessaryto copewith the disasteremergency.

(3) Transferthedirection,personnelor functionsof Commonwealthagenciesor units thereoffor the purposeof performingor facilitatingemergencyservices.

(4) Subjectto anyapplicablerequirementsfor compensationundersection7313(10) (relatingto powersandduties),commandeeror utilizeany privatepropertyif necessaryto copewith the disasteremergency.

(5) Directandcompeltheevacuationof all orpartof thepopulationfrom anystrickenor threatenedareawithin this Commonwealthif thisaction is necessaryfor the preservationof life or other disastermitigation, responseor recovery.

(6) Prescriberoutes,modesof transportationanddestinationsinconnectionwith evacuation.

(7) Control ingress and egressto and from a disasterarea, themovementof personswithin the areaand the occupancyof premisestherein.

(8) Suspendor limit the sale, dispensingor transportationofalcoholicbeverages,firearms,explosivesandcombustibles.

§ 7302. Tvmporaryhousing.(a) Authority of Governor.—WhenevertheGovernorhasproclaimed

a disasteremergencyunder this part, or the Presidenthas declaredanemergencyor a major disasterto exist in this Commonwealth,theGovernoris authorized:

(I) To enterinto purchase,leaseor otherarrangementswith anyFederalagencyfor temporaryhousingunitsto be occupiedby disastervictims andto makethe unitsavailableto any political subdivisionofthis Commonwealthnamedas a party to the emergencyor disasterdeclaration.

(2) To assistanypolitical subdivisionof this Commonwealthwhichis the locus of temporaryhousingfor disastervictims to acquiresitesnecessaryfor such temporaryhousingandto do all thingsrequiredtopreparesuchsites to receiveand utilize temporaryhousingunits by:

(i) advancingor lendingfundsavailabletotheGovernorfromany

SESSIONOF 1978 Act 1978-323 1343

appropriationmade by the GeneralAssemblyor from any othersource;

(ii) “passingthrough”fundsmadeavailableby anyagency,publicor private;or

(iii) becominga copartnerwith the political subdivision for theexecutionand performanceof any temporaryhousingfor disastervictims project;

andfor suchpurposesto pledgethecreditof theCommonwealthonsuchtermsasthe Governordeemsappropriatehavingdueregard-for-currentdebt transactionsof the Commonwealth.

(3) Under such regulationsas the Governor shall prescribe, totemporarily suspendor modify for not to exceed60 daysany publichealth, safety, zoning, transportation (within or across thisCommonwealth)or otherrequirementof statuteor regulationwithinthis Commonwealthwhen by proclamationthe Governordeemsthesuspensionor modificationessentialto providetemporaryhousingfordisastervictims.(b) Acquisition of sites by political subdivisions.—Any political

subdivision of this Commonwealthis expresslyauthorizedto acquire,temporarilyor permanently,by purchase,leaseorotherwise,sitesrequiredfor installationof temporaryhousingunitsfordisastervictims,andtoenterinto whateverarrangementswhich are necessaryto prepareor equip thesites to utilize the housingunits.

(c) Constructionof section.—Thissectiondoesnot limit theauthorityof the Governorto apply for, administerand expendany grants,gifts orpaymentsin aid ofdisasterprevention,preparedness,responseor recovery.

(d) Definitions.—As used in this section “major disaster,”“emergency”and “temporaryhousing” shall havethe samemeaningsasdefinedor usedin the FederalDisasterRelief Act of 1974 (PublicLaw93-288, 42 U.S.C. § 5121 et seq.).§ 7303. Debrisandwreckageremoval.

(a) Authority of Governor.—Wheneverthe Governorhasdeclaredadisasteremergencyto existunderthis part,or thePresident,at therequestof the Governor,hasdeclaredamajordisasteroremergencytoexistin thisCommonwealth,the Governoris authorized:

(I) Notwithstandingany otherprovisionof law, throughtheuseofCommonwealthagenciesor instrumentalities,to clearor removefrompublicly or privately owned land or water,debrisandwreckagewhichmay threatenpublic healthor safety,or public or privateproperty.

(2) To acceptfunds from the FederalGovernmentand utilize thefunds to makegrantsor to reimburseany political subdivisionfor thepurposeof removing debris or wreckagefrom publicly or privatelyowned land or water.(b) Authorityof Commonwealthpersonnel.—WhenevertheGovernor

providesfor clearanceof debrisor wreckagepursuantto subsection(a),employeesof the designatedCommonwealthagenciesor individuals


appointedby theCommonwealthareauthorizedto enteruponprivatelandor watersand perform any tasksnecessaryto the removalor clearanceoperation.

(c) Nonliability of Commonwealthpersonnel.—Exceptin casesofwillful misconduct,gross negligenceor bad faith, any Commonwealthemployeeor agentcomplyingwith and performingduties pursuanttoordersof the Governorunderthis sectionshallnotbeliable fordeathoforinjury to personsor damageto property.§ 7304. Communitydisasterloans.

Whenever,at the requestof the Governor,the Presidenthasdeclaredamajor disasterto existin thisCommonwealth,theGovernorisauthorized:

(1) Upon determining that a political subdivision of thisCommonwealthwill suffer asubstantiallossof tax and otherrevenuesfrom a major disasterand has demonstrateda need for financialassistanceto performitsgovernmentalfunctions,toapplytotheFederalGovernment,on behalfof the political subdivision,for a loan andtoreceiveanddisbursethe proceedsof anyapprovedloan toanyapplicantpolitical subdivision.

(2) To determinethe amount neededby any applicantpoliticalsubdivision to restore or resumeits governmentalfunctions and tocertify the amountto the FederalGovernment.No applicationamountshallexceed25%of the annualoperatingbudgetof theapplicantfor thefiscalyear in which the major disasteroccurs.

(3) After review, recommendto the Federal Governmentthecancellationof all or anypart of repaymentwhen, in the first threefullfiscal-year periods following the major disaster,the revenuesof thepolitical subdivision are insuffic:ient to meet its operatingexpensesincludingadditionaldisaster-relatedexpensesof a municipaloperationcharacter.

§ 7305. Individual and family assistance.(a) Grantsby FederalGovernment.—Wheneverthe President,at the

requestof the Governor,hasdeclareda major disasterto exist in thisCommonwealth,the Governoris authorized:

(I) Upon determiningthat assistanceunder the FederalDisasterReliefAct of 1974 (PublicLaw 93-288,42 U.S.C. § 5121 et seq.),andfrom othermeansis insufficient to meetthe disaster-relatednecessaryexpensesor seriousneedsofindividualsor familiesadverselyaffectedbya majordisaster,to acceptagrant from theFederalGovernmentfor thepurposeof meetingthe expensesor needsof disastervictims,subjecttoany termsandconditionsimposedupon the grant.

(2) To enterinto anagreement.with the FederalGovernmentor anyFederalagencyor officer pledgingtheCommonwealthto participateinthe funding of the assistanceauthorized in paragraph(1) and, ifCommonwealthfunds arenot otherwiseavailableto the Governor,toacceptan advanceof the Commonwealthshare from the FederalGovernmentto be repaidwhenthe Commonwealthis ableto do- so.

SESSIONOF 1978 Act 1978-323 1345

(b) Grantsby Governor.—Toimplementsubsection(a),theGovernoris authorizedto makegrantstomeetdisaster-relatednecessaryexpensesorserious needsof individuals or families adverselyaffected by a majordisasterdeclaredby thePresident.Any grantshallnotexceed$5,000in theaggregateto an individual or family in any singlemajor disaster.

(c) Penalty for false application.—Anypersonwho fraudulentlyorwillfully makesamisstatementoffactinconnectionwithan~application—forassistanceunderthis sectionshall beguilty of a misdemeanorof thethirddegree.§ 7306. Appropriationof Federalfunds.

All moneysreceivedfrom the FederalGovernmentfor the purposeofdisasterassistanceor relief, includingassistanceasspecifiedundersections7302(relatingto temporaryhousing),7303(relatingto debrisandwreckageremoval) and 7304 (relatingto communitydisasterloans),shall be paidinto the GeneralFund.§ 7307. Useandappropriationof unusedCommonwealthfunds.

Wheneverthe Governorhas declareda disasteremergency,he maytransferany unusedfunds which may havebeenappropriatedfor theordinaryexpensesoftheCommonwealthGovernmentin theGeneralFundto such Commonwealthagenciesas the Governor may direct to beexpendedfor relief of disasterin such manneras the Governorshallapprove,and thefundsareherebyappropriatedtotheGovernorfor suchpurposes.Thetotalof suchtransfersshallnotexceed$5,000,000in anyoneyearexceptby action of the GeneralAssembly.§ 7308. Laws suspendedduring emergencyassignments.

In the caseof a declarationof a stateof emergencyby the Governor,Commonwealthagenciesmay implementtheir emergencyassignmentswithout regardto proceduresrequiredby other laws(exceptmandatoryconstitutionalrequirements)pertainingtotheperformanceiofpublicwork,enteringintocontracts,incurringof obligations,employmentof temporaryworkers, rental of equipment,purchaseof suppliesand materialsandexpendituresof public funds.

SUBCHAPTERBPENNSYLVANIA EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

Sec.7311. Creation.7312. Organization.7313. Powersandduties.7314. Utilization of existing servicesandfacilities.

§ 7311. Creation.To assure prompt, proper and effective discharge of basic

Commonwealth responsibilitiesrelating to civil defenseand disasterpreparedness,operationsandrecovery,thereisherebyformallycreatedthePennsylvaniaEmergencyManagementAgency.


§ 7312. Organization.This agencyshall consistof andbe organizedsubstantiallyasfollows:(a) Council.—Primaryresponsibilityfor overall policy anddirection

of a Statewidecivil defenseanddisa~sterprogramandresponsecapabilityof thetypehereinafterprescribedshallbevestedina bodylegaHyknown-asthe Pennsylvania Emergency ManagementCouncil, which shall becomposedof: The Governor,LieutenantGovernor,Adjutant General,Secretaryof Health, Attorney General,Secretaryof CommunityAffairs,Secretaryof Environmental Resources,Secretaryof Transportation,Secretaryof Agriculture, Secretaryof Public Welfare,Commissionerofthe Pennsylvania State Police, Chairman of the Public UtilityCommission,Speakerof the House of Representatives,Presidentprotemporeof theSenate,Minority LeaderoftheSenateandMinority Leaderof the House of Representatives.The Speaker of the House ofRepresentatives,Presidentpro temporeof theSenate,Minority Leaderofthe Senateand Minority Leaderof the House of Representativesmayauthorizea memberof theirrespectiveHousesof theGeneralAssemblytoserve in their stead.The Governormay designatea memberto serveaschairman.Five membersshall consl;itutea quorum.

(b) Compensationand expenses.—Themembersshall servewithoutcompensation,but may be reimbursedfor their actual and necessarytraveling and other expensesincurred in connectionwith attendanceatmeetings.

(c) Regularmeetings.—Fortheconductof routinebusiness,includingparticularlythe considerationof mattersof basicpolicy, the council shallmeetat the call of the chairmanand at least threetimes during eachcalendaryear.

(d) Emergencymeetings.—In theeventof attackor disastersituationsdeterminedactuallyor likely to beof suchnature,magnitude,severityordurationasto necessitateextensiveor extraordinarydeployment-and-useof Commonwealthresourcesfor emergencypurposes,the chairmanshall,withinnot morethan48 hoursimmediatelyfollowingsuchdetermination,call the council into emergencysession,for considerationof actionstakenor to betaken.In theabsenceofthechairman,noticeofsuchmeetingsshali.be disseminatedto themembershipby the Statedirector.

(e) Statedirector.—Tosupervisethe work andactivities comprisingthe StateCivil DefenseandDisasterProgram,thecouncil shallemployanindividual toact,on a full-time basis,asdirectorof theagency.Thedirectorshall serve at the pleasureof the council, shall perform all suchfiscal,planning,administrative,operationalandotherdutiesas maybeassignedto him by thecouncil andshallactas thechairman’sprincipal-assistant-incivil defense and disaster matters. The director is also the Statecoordinating officer responsible to coordinate and supervise theCommonwealthand localdisasterresponseeffort following a presidentialdeclarationof an emergencyor a major disaster.

(1) Staff.—Thecouncil shall, within the limitationsof appropriationsmade to the agency,arrangefor the employmentof such professional,

SESSIONOF 1978 Act 1978-323 1347

technical, administrativeand other staff personnelas may be deemedessentialto the developmentandmaintenanceof a Statewidecivil defenseanddisasterplanandprogramof thetypehereinafterprescribed.All suchpersonnelshall beemployedandsubjecttopertinentprovisionsof theactof August5, 1941 (P.L.752,I’~o.286),knownasthe“Civil ServiceAct,” andthe CommonwealthCompensationPlan.

(g) Office space, equipment and services.—Theagency shall befurnishednecessaryand appropriateoffice space,furniture, equipment,supplies and services in the same general manner as are otherCommonwealthdepartmentsandagencies.

(h) Weather communications.—Theagency shall maintain anintegratedcommunicationscapabilitydesignedto provideto all areasandcountiesweatheradvisories,river forecasts,warnings,and directionandcontrol of all emergency preparedness functions within theCommonwealth.

(i) Administrative provisions.—Exceptas otherwiseprovided in thispart, theagencyshallbesubjectto theprovisionsoftheactofApril 9, 1929(P.L.177,No.175),known as “The AdministrativeCode of 1929.”§ 7313. Powersandduties.

The agencyshall havethe following powersandduties:(1) To prepare, maintain and keep current a Pennsylvania

EmergencyManagementPlanfor the preventionand minimizationofinjury anddamagecausedby disaster,promptandeffectiveresponsetodisaster and disasteremergencyrelief and recovery. The plan mayincludeprovisionsfor:

(i) Preparednessstandardsestablishedby theFederalEmergencyManagementAgency.

(ii) Commonwealthand local disasteremergencymanagementresponsibilities.

(iii) Assistanceto Commonwealthandlocalgovernmentofficialsin designingemergencymanagementplansand training programs.

(iv) Organizationof manpower,chainsof command,continuityof governmentin emergencysituationsandemergencyoperationalprinciples.

(v) Coordinationof Federal,Commonwealthand localdisasteremergencymanagementactivities.

(vi) Coordination of the Commonwealth EmergencyManagementPlanwith thedisasterplansof theFederalGovernmentandthoseof otherstates.

(vii) Assistanceto the Commonwealthandlocalgovernmentsinobtaining, utilizing and managing Federaland Commonwealthdisasterassistance.

(viii) Supply to appropriateCommonwealthand local officialsState catalogsof Federal,Commonwealthand private assistanceprograms.

(ix) Identification of areasparticularlyvulnerableto disasters.


(x) Recommendationsfor zoning, building and other land-usecontrols; safety measures pertaining to nonpermanent orsemipermanentstructures;resourceconservationandallocation;andotherpreventiveand preparednessmeasuresdesignedtoeliminateorreducedisastersor their impact.

(xi) Authorization and proceduresfor the erection or otherconstruction of temporary works designedto protectagainstormitigatedanger,damageor loss from flood, conflagrationor otherdisaster.(2) To establish, equip- and staff a Commonwealthand area

emergencyoperationscenterwith a consolidatedStatewidesystemofwarning and provide a systemof disastercommunicationsintegratedwith thoseof Federal,Commonwealthand local agenciesinvolved indisasteremergencyoperations.

(3) To promulgate,adoptandenforcesuchrules, regulationsandordersas maybe deemednecessaryto carry out the provisionsof thispart.

(4) To providetechnicaladviceandassistanceto Commonwealthagenciesand political subdivisio:ns in the preparationof disasteremergency management plans or components thereof and toperiodicallyreview such plansand suggestor requirerevisions.

(5) To establish and operate or assist political subdivisions inestablishingand operatingtraining programsand programsof publicinformation.

(6) To supplyappropriateCommonwealthandlocal agenciesandofficials andthegeneralpublic with precautionarynotices,watchesandwarningsrelatingto actualandpotentialdisastersandto providea flowof official informationandinstructionsto thegeneralpublic throughallmeansavailablebefore, duringand afteran emergency.

(7) To provideemergencydirectionandcontrolof Commonwealthand local emergencyoperations.

(8) To determinethe needfor, maintain informationregardingandprocurematerials,supplies,equipment,facilitiesandservicesnecessaryfor disasteremergencyreadiness,responseandrecovery.

(9) To makeor requestof Commonwealthor local agenciesandofficials, studies,surveysand reportsasare necessaryto carry out thepurposesof this part.

(10) To plan andmakearrangementsfor the availability anduseofany privatefacilities, servicesandpropertyand,if necessaryandif in factused,providefor paymentfor useundertermsandconditionsagreedupon.

(11) To prepare,for issuanceby the Governor,executive orders,proclamationsand regulationsas necessaryor appropriatein copingwith disasters.

(12) To cooperatewith the FederalGovernmentandanypublic orprivate agencyor entity in achievi:rig any purposeof this part and in

SESSIONOF 1978 Act 1978-323 1349

implementingprogramsfor disasterprevention,preparation,responseandrecovery.

(13) To administer grant programsto political subdivisions fordisastermanagement.

(14) To acceptand coordinate assistanceprovided by Federalagenciesin major disastersin accordancewith the provisionsof theFederalDisasterRelief Act of 1974 (Public Law 93-288,42 U.S.C.§ 5121 et seq.),or any amendmentor reenactmentthereof.

(15) To respondto disasterrelatingto atomicenergyoperationsorradioactive objects or materials. Any such action taken and anyregulationsadoptedby the office shallbe inapplicableto anyobjectsormaterialspossessinga radiation-producingcapacityless than that setforth asthe maximumsafetylimit by thestandardsendorsedandasmaybe subsequentlyendorsedby the United StatesNuclear RegulatoryCommissionfor theprotectionof life andpropertyandthemaintenanceof health andsafety.

(16) To takeotheractionnecessary,incidentalorappropriatefor theimplementationof this part.

(17) To report annually to the General Assembly the state ofpreparednessof the Commonwealthto dealwith attackor disasterandthosesignificant eventsoccurringwithin the pastyear.

(18) To recommendto the Governorlegislationor otheractionsasdeemednecessaryin connectionwith the purposesof this part.

(19) To provide,from itsown stockpilesor othersources,emergencyoperationalequipment,materialsand suppliesrequiredand availablefor essentialsupplementationof thoseowned,acquiredand used byCommonwealth,countyandlocaldepartmentsand agenciesfor attackanddisasteroperations.

(20) For a period of 30 daysor immediatelyafteran emergencyisdeclaredby the Governor,to incur obligationsfor or purchasesuchmaterialsandsuppliesasmaybenecessaryto combata disaster,protectthe healthand safetyof personsand propertyandprovideemergencyassistanceto victimsof adisasterwithoutcomplyingwith formalbiddingor othertime-consumingcontractprocedures.

§ 7314. Utilization of existingservicesand facilities.In order to avoid duplicationof servicesandfacilities, the agencyshall

utilize the servicesandfacilities of existingofficers, offices,departments,commissions,boards, bureaus,institutions and other agenciesof theCommonwealthand of the political subdivisionsth~reof.Theseofficersandagenciesshallcooperatewith andextendtheirservicesandfacilitiestothe agencyas requested.


CHAPTER 75LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS AND SERVICES -

Subchapter -

A. GeneralProvisionsB. Paymentof Expenses

SUBCHAPTERAGENERAL PROVISIONS

Sec.7501. Generalauthority of political subdivisions.7502. Local coordinatorof emergencymanagement.7503. Powersand dutiesof political subdivisions.7504. Coordination,assistanceandmutualaid.

§ 7501. Generalauthority of political subdivisions.(a) Establishing emergency management organization.—Each

political subdivisionof this Commonwealthis directedandauthorizedtoestablisha local emergencymanagementorganizationin accordancewiththe plan and program of the PennsylvaniaEmergency ManagementAgency. Eachlocal organizationshall haveresponsibilityfor emergencymanagement,responseand recoverywithin the territorial limits of thepolitical subdivision within which ii: is organizedand,in addition, shallconductsuchservicesoutsideof its jurisdictionallimits asmayberequiredunderthis part.

(b) Declarationof disasteremergency.—Alocal disasteremergencymay be declaredby the governingbody of a political subdivisionuponfinding a disasterhas occurredor is imminent. Thegoverningbody of apolitical subdivision may authorize the mayor or otherchief executiveofficer to declarea local disasteremergencysubjectto ratificationby thegoverningbody. The declarationshall not becontinuedor renewedfor aperiod in excessof sevendays except by or with the consentof thegoverningbody of the political subdivision.Any order or proclamationdeclaring,continuingor terminatinga local disasteremergencyshallbegiven prompt andgeneralpublicity andshall be filed promptlywith theagency.The effect of a declarationof a local disasteremergencyis toactivate the responseandrecoveryaspectsof any andall applicablelocalemergencymanagementplansandto authorizethefurnishing of aid andassistancethereunder.

(c) Contractsand obligations.—~ncarryingout the provisionsof thispart,eachpolitical sdbdivisionshallhavethepowertoenterintocontractsand incur obligations necessaryto disaster emergencymanagement,responseandrecovery.

(d) Temporary suspensionof formal requirements.—Eachpoliticalsubdivisionincluded in a declarationof disasteremergencyis authorizedpursuantto section7301(c) (relatingto generalauthorityof Governor)toexercisethepowersvestedunderthis sectionin thelight of theexigenciesof

SESSiONOF 1978 Act 1978-323 1351

the emergencysituationwithoutregardtotime-consumingproceduresandformalities prescribed by law (excepting mandatory constitutionalrequirements)pertainingto theperformanceof public work, enteringintocontracts,the incurring of obligations, the employmentof temporaryworkers,the rentalof equipment,the purchaseof suppliesandmaterials,the levying oftaxesandtheappropriationandexpenditureof public-funds.

(e) Employment of personnel.—In order to meet prescribedrequirementsfor eligibility to receive Federalcontributionsauthorizedunderthe provisionsof the FederalCivil DefenseAct of 1950 (64 Stat.1245,50 U.S.C.App. § 2251 et seq.) or any amendmentor reenactmentthereof,political subdivisionsareauthorizedtoavailthemselvesof servicesofferedby the StateCivil ServiceCommissionunderthe provisionsof theactof August5, 1941 (P.L.752,No.286),knownas the“Civil ServiceAct,”in connectionwith the employmentof personnelin local organizationsestablishedpursuantto the provisionsof this part.§ 7502. Local coordinatorof emergencymanagement.

(a) Generalrule.—Eachlocalorganizationof emergencymanagementshall have a coordinator who shall be responsiblefor the planning,administrationand operation of the local organizationsubject to thedirectionand control of the executiveofficer or governingbody.

(b) County coordinator.—Acoordinator shall be appointedin allcountieswith approvalof the directorof theagency.Theexecutiveofficeror governingbody of the county shall recommenda coordinatorwhoserecommendationmustbeendorsedby the director of the agencyprior toappointmentby the Governor.Upon failure of the executiveofficer orgoverningbodyof the countyto makea recommendationof a personforcoordinator within the time fixed by the agency, the Governor isauthorizedto appointa coordinatorbaseduponthe recommendationofthedirectorof theagency.Thecoordinatorofthecountyorganizationshallnot be assignedany duties thatwill conflict with hisdutyascoordinator.

(c) Locallevel.—At thelocal level, thecoordinatorshallbeappointedby the Governor uponthe recommendationof the executiveofficer orgoverning body of the political subdivision.Upon the failure of theexecutiveofficer or governingbody of a political subdivisionto makearecommendationtotheGovernorof acandidatefor coordinatorwithin thetime fixed by the agency,the Governor is authorized to appoint acoordinatorwithout any recommendation.A candidatefor coordinatorfor two or more political subdivisions may be recommendedto theGovernorfor appointmentuponagreementby resolutionof thegoverningbodies of such political subdivisions.Any other law notwithstanding,alocal governmentofficial may be recommendedfor appointment.

(d) Qualifications.—The coordinator shall be professionallycompetent and capable of planning, effecting coordination amongoperatingagenciesof governmentandcontrollingcoordinatedoperationsby local emergencypreparednessforces.


(e) In-servicetraining.—Eachappointedcoordinatorshall:(1) Attend and successfullycompletethe first phaseof the career

developmentprogramas prescribedby the agencywithin oneyearafterappointment.

(2) Attend andsuccessfullycompletethesecondphaseofthe careerdevelopmentprogramas prescribedby the agencywithin threeyearsafter appointment.

(3) Attend basic and advancedseminars,workshopsandtrainingconferencescalled by the State director and/or official havingresponsibilityfor providing the coordinatorwith in-servicetraining.

Failure to attendthe instructiondescribedin this subsectionor failure toattenda prescribedtraining conferencefor aperiod of two consecutiveyears shall be causefor replacement.The State Director of EmergencyManagementmay grant credit toward meeting the requirementsof thissubsectionto appointedlocalcoordinatorson thebasisofpriorexperienceandtraining.

(0 Responsibilityfor training.—Responsibilityfor theprofessionalin-service training of each coordinato:rrestswith eachsuccessivehigherpolitical subdivisionthan the one inwhich thecoordinatoris functioning.

(g~ Expenses.—Eachappointedcoordinatorshall be reimbursedforactualexpensesincurredin theperformanceof hisdutiesandattendanceatscheduledmeetings.§ 7503. Powersand dutiesof political subdivisions.

Eachpolitical subdivision shall:(1) Prepare, maintain and keep current a disaster emergency

managementplan for the preventionand minimization of injury anddamagecausedby disaster,promptandeffectiveresponseto disasteranddisaster emergency relief and recovery in consonancewith thePennsylvaniaEmergencyManagementPlan.

(2) Establish, equip and staff an emergencyoperationscenter,consolidatedwith warning and communicationsystemsto supportgovernmentoperationsin emergenciesand provide other essentialfacilities andequipmentfor agenciesandactivities assignedemergencyfunctions.

(3) Provide individual and o:rganizationaltraining programstoinsureprompt, efficient and effectivedisasteremergencyservices.

(4) Organize, prepare and coordinate all locally availablemanpower, materials, supplies, equipment, facilities and servicesnecessaryfor disasteremergencyreadiness,responseand recovery.

(5) Adopt and implementprecautionarymeasuresto mitigate theanticipatedeffectsof disaster.

(6) Executeandenforcesuch rulesandordersasthe agencyshalladoptandpromulgateunderthe authority of this part.

(7) Cooperateandcoordinatewith anypublic andprivateagencyorentity in achievinganypurposeof this part.

SESSIONOF 1978 Act 1978-323 1353

(8) Have availablefor inspectionat its emergencyoperationscenterall emergencymanagementplans,rulesandordersof the Governorandthe agency.

(9) Provide prompt and accurate information regarding localdisasteremergenciesto appropriateCommonwealthandlocalofficialsandagenciesand the generalpublic.

§ 7504. Coordination,assistanceand mutualaid.(a)~Responsibility for direction and coordination.—Direction of

disasteremergencymanagementservicesis the responsibilityof thelowestlevel of governmentaffected.Whentwo or morepolitical subdivisionswithin a county are affected, the county organizationshall exerciseresponsibilityfor coordinationand support to the area of operations.Whentwo or morecountiesare involved,coordinationshall beprovidedby the agencyor by areaorganizationsestablishedby the agency.

(b) Assistancefrom highergovernmentunit.—Whenall appropriatelocally available forcesand resourcesarefully committedby the affectedpolitical subdivision,assistancefrom a higherlevel ofgovernmentshallbeprovided.

(c) Municipal mutual aid agreements.—Countyand localcoordinators of emergency managementshall develop mutual aidagreementswith adjacentpolitical subdivisionsfor reciprocalemergencyassistance.Theagreementsshallbeconsistentwiththeplansandprogramsof the agency.In disasteremergencies,requestsfor mutualaid assistanceshallbe referredto theorganizationhavingresponsibilityfor-coordina-tionasspecifiedin subsection(a)andin timeofemergencyit shallbethedutyofeach local organizationto render assistancein accordancewith theprovisionsof the mutualaid agreements.

(d) Interstatemutual,,aid arrangements.—Thecoordinator of eachlocal organizationmay,subject to approvalof the Governor,enterintomutualaid arrangementswith similar agenciesor organizationsin otherstatesfor reciprocaldisasteremergencyservices.

(e) Ratification of agreements.—Mutualaid agreementsshall beratified by the governingbodiesof the political subdivisionsinvolved.

(0 Control of outside support forces.—Supportforces furnishedpolitical subdivisions from outside its jurisdiction shall be under theoperationalcontrol of the department,agencyor office furnishing theforce.

SUBCHAPTER BPAYMENT OF EXPENSES

Sec.7511. Appropriationsby political subdivisions.7512. Law applicableto local organizations.7513. Agreementsamongpolitical subdivisions.7514. Paymentsinvolving onepolitical subdivision.7515. Paymentsinvolving two or morepolitical subdivisions.


§ 7511. Appropriationsby political subdivisions.(a) Generalrule.—Everypolitical subdivision shallhavethe powerto

makeappropriationsfor thepaymentof expensesof thelocalorganizationin themannerprovidedby law for makingappropriationsfor theordinaryexpensesof the political subdivision. In making appropriations,thepolitical subdivisionshall specifytheamountsandpurposesfor which themoneysappropriatedmaybe usedby theorganizationtoorfor which suchappropriationmay be made.

(b) Two ormorelocal organizations.—Nothingin this subchapteroranyotherprovisionof thispart shall be deemedto limit the powerof anypolitical subdivisionto appropriatemoneyfor thepurposeof payingtheexpensesof a local organizationhavingjurisdiction both within andwithout thepolitical subdivisioneventhoughanappropriationhasbeenoris to be madeto anotherlocal organizationcoterminouswith or havingjurisdiction within thepolitical subdivision.Paymentson accountof anappropriation under this subsectionshall be made pursuant to anagreementunder section7513 (relating to agreementsamongpoliticalsubdivisions)or in theform of agift or grantto the political subdivisionresponsiblein the first instancefor the paymentof bills andclaimsagainstthe local organizationfor the paymentof the expensesfor which theappropriationwas made.§ 7512. Law applicableto local organizations.

(a) Generalrule.—Wherethe jurisdiction of the localorganizationiscoterminouswith thepolitical subdivisionmakinganappropriationfort-hepaymentof theexpenses,thelocalorganizationshallbedeemedanagency,boardor commissionof thepolitical subdivision,subjectto all of thelawsgoverning the making of contractsor purchases,the employmentofpersonsor otherwiseincurring financial obligationswhich apply to thepolitical subdivision.

(b) Secondclasstownships.—Nopurchaseor purchasesshallbemade,no contract entered into and no expensesincurred by any localorganizationwhich involves the paymentof morethan $25 out of thetreasuryof anysecondclasstownshipunlesstheproposedexpenditurehasbeenapprovedin writing by the townshipsupervisors.If anypurchaseorcontractis madeor otherexpensesincurredcontraryto the provisionsofthis subsection,the township shall not be responsiblefor the paymentthereofbut the personactingfor thelocal organizationin thetransactionshallbe personallyliable for the payment.§ 7513. Agreementsamongpolitical subdivisions.

(a) Generalrule.—Wherea local organizationhasjurisdiction in anareaincluding all or partsof morethanone political subdivisionwhichdoesnotincludethewholeareaof anycounty,thepolitical subdivisions,allor partof which lie within thejurisdictionoftheorganization,shall,beforepaying any expensesof the organization, enter into an agreementdesignatingoneof thepolitical subdivisionsastheagentofeachofthemforthe purpose of paying the expensesof the local organization. The

SESSIONOF 1978 Act 1978-323 1355

agreementshallalsosetforth theproportionateshareoftheex-pen-ses-of-theorganizationtobepaidby eachpoliticalsubdivisionpartyto-the-agreementandanestimateof theamountrequiredto beappropriatedby eachofthemfor the purposeof paying the expenses.The agreementshall be effectivewhen approved by the corporateauthorities of each of the politicalsubdivisionsby a majority vote and each of the subdivisionsshallthereuponmakean appropriationpursuantto section7511 (relatingtoappropriationsby political subdivisions)sufficient to pay its shareof theexpensesof the organization.

(b) Counties.—Wherethelocalorganizationhasjurisdictionin anareaincludingthewholeareaof oneor morecountieswhichisnotcoterminouswith any onecounty,beforepayinganyexpensesof theorganization,thecounties,all or partof which lie within thejurisdictionoftheorganization,shall enter into an agreementin the manner and form provided insubsection(a) andwith like effect,andno otherpolitical subdivisionlyingwithin thejurisdictionof theorganizationshallbeapartyto-the-agreement.§ 7514. Paymentsinvolving onepolitical subdivision.

(a) Generalrule.—All bills orclaimstobepaidfrom anyappropriationmadeby a political subdivisioncoterminouswith the local organization,after first being approvedby the local organizationor an appropriateofficerthereofdesignatedfor thatpurpose,shallbepaidfrom thetreasuryof thepolitical subdivisiononly upon thewarrantororderof theofficerorofficers of the political subdivision designatedby law to approve orcountersignwarrantsor ordersfor thepaymentof theordinaryexpensesofthepoliticalsubdivision,andshallbesubjecttoauditin thesamemannerasotherfinancial transactionsof the political subdivision.In eachcase,theofficer or officers shall havethe samepowerto approveor disapproveasthey have in case of warrantsfor ordinary expensesof the politicalsubdivision,and no warrant or order for the paymentthereofshall beissuedwithout the approval.

(b) Gift or grantof money.—Anygift or grantof moneymadeto thelocal organizationor to the political subdivision for the paymentofexpensesincurred or to be incurred by or for the organizationshall bedeposited in the treasury of the political subdivision and shall beappropriatedby thepolitical subdivisionfor thepurposefor which thegiftorgrantwasmade,andany bills or claimsto bepaidfrom thegift orgrantshallbe paidin themannerprovidedin thissubchapterfor thepaymentofotherbills andclaims againstthe political subdivision.§ 7515. Paymentsinvolving two or more political subdivisions.

(a) General rule.—Wheretwo or more political subdivisions haveentered into an agreementas provided by section 7513 (relating toagreementsamongpolitical subdivisions),all bills andclaimsfor expensesincurredby or for thelocalorganizationshallthereafterbepaidin the-fi-r-stinstanceby thepolitical subdivisionnamedasagentin theagreementin themannerprovided in section 7514 (relating to paymentsinvolving onepolitical subdivision)as thoughthe organizationwere coterminouswith

1356 Act 1978-323 LAWS OFPENNSYLVANIA

the political subdivision,andtheorganizationshallbesubjectto all of thelaws governingthe makingof contractsor purchases,the employmentofpersonsor otherwiseincurringfinancial obligationswhich apply to thepolitical subdivision.

(b) Accounting by agent.—Thepolitical subdivision designatedasagentshall, not later than the fifteenth day of eachmonth, submitanitemizedaccountof theexpensesof the organizationpaid by it during theprecedingcalendarmonthto eachof theotherpolitical subdivisionspartyto the agreement, togetherwith a request for reimbursementof theproportionateshareof expensesagreedto be paid by eachof the otherpolitical subdivisions.

(c) Reimbursementof agent.—Eachpolitical subdivisionrequestedtomakereimbursementshalldo so within 30 daysaftertherequestfrom theappropriationmadefor the paymentof the expensesof theorganizationand,in the eventof failure to do so, mandamusshall lie to compeltheofficersof thepolitical subdivisionto paythe agreed-uponproportionateshareof the properexpensesof the organizationoutof the first moneysthereafterin the treasuryof the political subdivisionandnot previouslypledgedto anyotherpurpose.No political subdivisionmay becompelledto payfor anyoneyearanamountgreaterthantheamountestimatedin-theagreementasits proportionateshare.Any paymentmadeby anypoliticalsubdivisionto thepolitical subdivisionnamedasagentintheagreementforreimbursementfor thepaymentof theexpensesof theorganizationshallbecreditedby the agentpolitical subdivisionto theappropriation-madeby-itfor the paymentof the expensesof the organizationandshallbeavailablefor the paymentof future expensesof the organizationwithout furtherappropriationor actionby the agentpolitical subdivision.

(d) Gift or grantof money.—Anygift orgrantof moneymadeto orforthelocalorganization,if madeto apolitical subdivision,shallbedepositedin itstreasuryandbeappropriatedby it for thepurposefor whichthegift orgrantwas made and the political subdivision shall notify the politicalsubdivisionnamedas agentin theagreementof the appropriationandthepurposefor which it is available.If thegift or grantof moneyis madeto theorganization, it shall be deposited in the treasury of the politicalsubdivisionnamedasagentin theagreementandshallbeappropriatedbythe political subdivision for the purposefor which the gift or grant wasmade.Any expendituremade~by the agentpolitical subdivisionfrom anygift or grantdepositedin its treasuryor reimbursedfrom any gift orgrantdepositedin the treasuryof any otherpolitical subdivisionshallnot beincluded in computing the reimbursementrequestedfrom any otherpolitical subdivisionunderthe agreement.

SESSIONOF 1978 Act 1978-323 1357

CHAPTER 77MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

Sec.7701. Duties concerningdisasterprevention.7702. Acceptanceof services,gifts, grantsand loans.7703. Interstatearrangements.7704. Immunity from civil liability.7705. Specialpowersof local agencies.7706. Compensationfor accidentalinjury.7707. Penalties.

§ 7701. Duties concerningdisasterprevention.(a) Governor.—Inadditionto disasterpreventionmeasuresincluded

in the Commonwealthand local plans,the Governorshall consideron acontinuingbasisstepsthat couldbetakentopreventor reducetheharmfulconsequencesof disasters.The Governor,from time to time, shallmakerecommendationsto the GeneralAssembly, political subdivisionsandotherappropriatepublic andprivateentitiesasmayfacilitatemeasuresforpreventionor reductionof the harmful consequencesof disasters.

(b) Departmentof EnvironmentalResources.—TheDepartmentofEnvironmental Resources, in conjunction with the PennsylvaniaEmergencyManagementAgency,shall keeplandusesandconstructionofstructuresand other facilities undercontinuingstudy andidentify areaswhichareparticularlysusceptibleto severelandshifting,subsidence,floodor othercatastrophicoccurrence.The studiesunderthis subsectionshallconcentrateon meansof reducingor avoidingthe dangerscausedby thisoccurrenceor the consequencesthereof.

(c) Other Commonwealth agencies.—At the direction of theGovernor,andpursuantto any otherauthorityandcompetencetheyhave,Commonwealthagencies,includingbutnot limited tothosechargedwitheconomic recovery responsibilities in connection with floodplainmanagement, stream encroachmentand flow regulation, weathermodification, fire preventionandcontrol,air quality, public works, landuse and land-useplanning,constructionstandards,public utilities andenergy,shallmakestudiesof disasterprevention-relatedmatters.§ 7702. Acceptanceof services,gifts, grantsand loans.

(a) Generalrule.—Wheneverany personor the FederalGovernmentor any Federalagencyor officer offersto theCommonwealthor, throughthe Commonwealth,to any political subdivision,services,equipment,supplies,materialsor funds by way of gift, grantor loan for purposesofdisaster emergencyservices, the Commonwealth,acting through theGovernor, or the political subdivision,acting with the consentof theGovernorandthroughits executiveofficer or governingbody,mayacceptthe offer and upon acceptancethe Governor or executive officer or-governingbodyof thepolitical subdivisionmayauthorizeanyofficerof-theCommonwealthor of the political subdivision, as the casemay be, to


receivetheservices,equipment,supplies,materialsor funds on behalfoftheCommonwealthorpolitical subdivisionsubjecttotheterms-oftheofferandthe rulesandregulations,if any,of the agencyor personmaking theoffer.

(b) Property of Commonwealth.—All equipment, supplies andmaterials referred to in subsection(a) shall, when acceptedby theCommonwealth,be treatedas the propertyof the Commonwealthandshall be subject to the relevant provisionsof the act of April 9, 1929(P.L.l77, No.175),known as “The AdministrativeCode of 1929,” unlessthe GeneralAssemblydirectsotherwiseby statute.§ 7703. Interstatearrangements.

(a) Generalrule.—Uponfinding thata vulnerablearealies onlypartlywithin this Commonwealthandincludesterritory in anotherstateor statesor territory in a foreign jurisdiction and that it would be desirabletoestablishaninterstaterelationship,mutualaid or anareaorganization-fordisasteremergencyservices,the Governorshall takestepsto that end asdesirable.

(b) Negotiationandstatusof agreements.—Ifthisaction istakenwithjurisdictionsthat haveenactedthe InterstateCivil DefenseandDisasterCompact,any resulting agreementor agreementsmay be consideredsupplementalagreementspursuantto Article 6 of that compact.If theotherjurisdiction or jurisdictionswith which the Governorproposestocooperatepursuantto subsection(a) havenot enactedthat compact,theGovernor may negotiate special agreementswith the jurisdiction orjurisdictions.

(c) Legislativeapprovalof agreements.—Anyagreement,if sufficientauthority for the making thereof does not otherwiseexist, becomeseffective only after its text has been communicatedto the GeneralAssemblyandprovidedthat neitherHouseof the GeneralAssemblyhasdisapprovedit by adjournmentof the nextensuingsessioncompetenttoconsiderit or within 30 daysof its submission,whicheveris longer.§ 7704. Immunity from civil liability.

(a) General rule.—Neither the Commonwealthnor any politicalsubdivision thereof nor other agenciesnor, except in casesof willfulmisconduct,the agents,employeesor representativesof any of themengagedin anyemergencyservicesactivities,nor,exceptin casesof willfulmisconductor grossnegligence,any individual or other personundercontractwith them to provideequipmentorworkon acostbasisto beusedin disasterrelief, nor, except in casesof willful misconductor grossnegligence,anyperson,firm, corporationoranagentor employeeof anyofthem engagedin disasterservicesactivities, while complying with orattemptingto complywith thispartor anyruleor regulationpromulgatedpursuantto theprovisionsof thispart,shallbeliablefor thedeathof oranyinjury to personsor lossor damageto propertyasa resultof thatactivity.

SESSIONOF 1978 Act 1978-323 1359

(b) Real estate owners.—Any person, organization or authorityowning or controllingrealestateor otherpremises,who voluntarily andwithout compensation,grantsa licenseor privilege or otherwisepermitsthedesignationor useof the whole oranypartor partsof the-real-estateorpremisesfor any emergencyservices purpose, shall, togetherwith hissuccessorsin interest,if any,notbecivilly liablefor negligentlycausingthedeathof or injury to or lossor damageto thepropertyof anypersonwho~isupon the realestateor otherpremisesfor that purpose.

(c) Otherbenefitsunaffected.—Thissectiondoesnotaffecttherightofany personto receivebenefitsto which he would otherwisebe entitledunderthis part or undertheworkmen’scompensationlaws or underanypension law, nor the right of any personto receiveany benefits orcompensationunderany Federallaw.§ 7705. Specialpowersof localagencies.

(a) Roadway clearance.—Wheneverthe Governor shall haveproclaimed a disaster emergencyunder section 7301(c) (relating todeclarationof disasteremergency),officials of any political subdivisionincluded in the disasteremergencyshall havethe authority to clearsuchroadwaysas are necessaryfor thehealth,safetyandwelfareof residents,even thoughsuch roadwaysare not officially the responsibilityof suchpolitical subdivision.Thepolitical subdivisionmaybe reimbursedfor thecost of suchclearingas providedin subsection(c).

(b) Watersystems.—Wheneverthe Governorshallhaveproclaimedadisasteremergencyundersection7301(c) andin the eventthat a watersystemownedor operatedbyapoliticalsubdivisionormunicipalautho-rityis damaged,destroyedor madeinoperableasadirectresultof suchdisasteremergency,thepolitical subdivisionor municipal authorityshallhavetheauthorityto leaseor hiresuchpersonnelandequipmentasmaybeneededto effect restorationof such water system.The political subdivision ormunicipal authoritymaybe reimbursedfor the cost of suchrestorationasprovidedin subsection(c).

(c) Reimbursement.—WhenevertheGovernorshallhaveproclaimedadisasteremergencyundersection7301(c),he shall havepowerto transferany unusedfunds whichmay havebeenappropriatedfor the ordinaryexpensesof governmentin the GeneralFund to such Commonwealthagenciesashemaydirectto beexpendedfor reimbursementsas-provid-ed-insubsections(a) and(b). Suchreimbursementsshallbemadein accordancewith and to the extentpermittedby regulationsissuedby suchagencyoragenciesas theGovernormaydesignateto administerthereimbursementprogramsestablishedby subsections(a) and(b).Thetotalof suchtransfersshall never exceed$1,000,000in any one year exceptby action of theGeneralAssembly.

(d) Limitations.—Reimbursementspursuantto subsection(c) shallnot bemadeto the extentthat theCommonwealth,a political subdivisionor a municipal authority maybe eligible for assistancefrom the FederalGovernment.


§ 7706. Compensationfor accidentalinjury.(a) Benefits.—All duly enrolledemergencymanagementvolunteers

who are not eligible to receive benefits under the Workmen’sCompensationLawsshallbeentitled,exceptduringastateof warorperiodof armedconflict within the continentallimits of theUnited States,to thefollowing benefitsrelatingto injuriessustainedwhile actuallyengagedinemergencymanagementactivitiesor in orenroutetoandfromemergencymanagementtests or operations authorized by the PennsylvaniaEmergencyManagementAgencyandcarriedout in accordancewith rulesandorderspromulgatedand adoptedby the agency:

(1) A sumof $2,500for accidentalinjury directlycausingor leadingto death.

(2) A sumnotexceeding$1,500for reimbursementfor medicalandhospital expensesassociatedwith accidentalinjury.

(3) Weekly paymentsof $50, beginning on the eighth day ofdisability directlyarisingfrom accidentalinjuryrenderingtheindividualtotally incapableof following his normalgainful pursuits.(b) Sourceof funds.—All benefitsherebyauthorizedshall bepaidout

of funds appropriatedto theagency.Paymentsshall bemadeonthebasisof claims submittedto the agencythroughtheDepartmentof LaborandIndustryin accordancewith rulesandorderspromulgatedandadoptedbythe agency.§ 7707. Penalties. -

(a) Generalrule.—Anypersonviolating anyoftheplansandprogramsadoptedandpromulgatedby thePennsylvaniaEmergencyManagementCouncil shall, upon conviction thereof in a summary proceeding,besentencedto paya fine notexceeding$200or imprisonmentnotexceeding30 days or both, for the first offense,and a fine notexceeding$500 orimprisonmentnot exceeding90 daysorboth,for eachsubsequentoffense.

(b) Lossof funds.—Thosepolitical subdivisionsin violation of section7501 (relatingto generalauthorityof political subdivisions),section7502(relating to local coordinatorof emergencymanagement),section7503(relatingto powersanddutiesof political subdivisions)or section7504(relatingto coordination,assistanceandmutualaid)shall, at thedirectionof the council,be subjectto lossof Federalpersonnelandadministrativefunding for the remainderof the fiscal year in which conviction isestablished.Reinstatementof Federal personneland administrativefunding shall takeplacethe yearfollowing approvalof remedialaction tothe violation.Section2. Transfers.

All personnel,allocations,appropriations,equipment,files, records,contracts,agreements,obligations,and other material which are used,employedorexpendedin connectionwith the powers,dutiesor functionsof the State Council of Civil Defense are hereby transferredto thePennsylvaniaEmergencyManagementAgency with the sameforce andeffectasif theappropriationshadbeenmadeto andtheitemshadbeenthe

SESSIONOF 1978 Act 1978-323 1361

propertyof the PennsylvaniaEmergencyManagementAgencyin the firstinstanceand as if the contracts,agreementsand obligations had beenincurred or enteredinto by the PennsylvaniaEmergencyManagementAgency.Section3. Repeals.

The following actsare repealed:Act of March 19, 1951 (P.L.28,No.4), knownas the “StateCouncil of

Civil DefenseAct of 1951.”Act of March 19, 1951 (P.L.42, No.6), entitled “An act authorizing

certainpolitical subdivisionsto makeappropriationsfor the paymentofexpensesof local or district councils of civil defensewithin saidpoliticalsubdivisionsandfor theprotectionor preparationfor theprotectionof thehealth, welfare and safety of the civilian populationof said politicalsubdivision during emergenciesresulting from air raids, blackouts orsabotage;regulating the mannerof payment of expensesof local anddistrict councilsof civil defense;authorizingsuchpolitical subdivisionstoborrowmoneyundercertain conditionsforsuchpurposes;andprovidingfor the repaymentthereof.”

Act of March 19, 1951 (P.L.47,No.7),entitled “An act authorizingtheCommonwealthof Pennsylvaniato enterinto acompactwith any otherstatefor mutual helpfulnessin meetingany civil defenseemergencyordisaster.”

Act of April 28, 1961 (P.L.129,No.60), entitled “An act authorizingpolitical subdivisionsof theCommonwealthto availthemselvesof servicesoffered by the State Civil ServiceCommissionin connectionwith theemploymentof personnelfor civil defensepurposes.”

Act of July 6, 1961 (P.L.515,No.265),entitled,as amended,“An actauthorizingthe Governorto provide for disasterandemergencyreliefundercertaincircumstances;authorizinghim to transfercertainfunds inthe GeneralFundfor thesepurposes,andmakingan appropriation.”Section4. Effective date.

This act shalltakeeffect immediately.

APPROVED—The26thday of November,A. D. 1978.

MILTON J. SHAPP

1332 act 1978-323 laws of pennsylvania - palrb.us · 1332 act 1978-323 laws of pennsylvania no....

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