A state of emergency is a situation in which a government is empowered to put through policies they wouldn’t otherwise be able to, for the sake of public safety and national security. It can be declared before, during, or after a natural disaster, civil unrest, armed conflict, medical pandemic or epidemic or other biosecurity risk. While there are normally conditions required to call a state of emergency and limitations on how long it can be maintained (although these are sometimes circumvented), a state of emergency gives the government wide-ranging powers, including suspending some civil rights.
A number of state agencies are brought to full capacity, including the New York City Office of Emergency Management, the New York State Police and the New York State Division of Fire Prevention. Other agencies, such as the American Red Cross and The Salvation Army, often step in to fulfill critical missions. In addition, volunteers, including those from the Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service and the Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster network are often activated to assist with response and recovery operations.
In the case of an outbreak of COVID-19, Governor Cuomo has ordered schools to close in New York City, Albany, Rockland, Dutchess, Sullivan and Ulster counties and their contiguous communities. Private businesses should review their own business policies for advice on opening, closing or delaying operations during a state of emergency.
During a state of emergency, the Governor may authorize large expenses without the need for prior counselling and due process, as well as confiscate property and order evacuations. These powers are normally accompanied by measures to protect civil liberties, such as the right to liberty of movement, freedom of speech and expression and the right to privacy.
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