CCLME.ORG - Emergency management.

State
Washington
Chapter 38.52 RCW Emergency management

Chapter 38.52 RCW
Emergency management

Notes:
Hazardous materials incidents, handling and liability: RCW 70.136.010 through 70.136.070.

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38.52.005
State military department to administer emergency management program — Local organizations authorized to change name.
The department shall administer the comprehensive emergency management program of the state of Washington as provided for in this chapter. All local organizations, organized and performing emergency management functions pursuant to RCW 38.52.070, may change their name and be called the . . . . . . department/division of emergency management.

[1995 c 391 § 1; 1986 c 266 § 22; 1984 c 38 § 1; 1972 ex.s. c 6 § 1.]

Notes: Effective date -- 1995 c 391: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and shall take effect July 1, 1995." [1995 c 391 § 18.]

Transfer of powers and duties of department of emergency management and office of archaeology and historic preservation -- Construction of statutory references: "The department of emergency management and the office of archaeology and historic preservation are hereby abolished and their powers, duties, and functions are hereby transferred to the department of community development. All references to the director of emergency management or the department of emergency management and the office of archaeology and historic preservation in the Revised Code of Washington shall be construed to mean the director or department of community development." [1986 c 266 § 1.]

Severability -- 1986 c 266: "If any provision of this act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected." [1986 c 266 § 138.]

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38.52.010
Definitions.
As used in this chapter:

(1) "Emergency management" or "comprehensive emergency management" means the preparation for and the carrying out of all emergency functions, other than functions for which the military forces are primarily responsible, to mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies and disasters, and to aid victims suffering from injury or damage, resulting from disasters caused by all hazards, whether natural, technological, or human caused, and to provide support for search and rescue operations for persons and property in distress. However, "emergency management" or "comprehensive emergency management" does not mean preparation for emergency evacuation or relocation of residents in anticipation of nuclear attack.

(2) "Local organization for emergency services or management" means an organization created in accordance with the provisions of this chapter by state or local authority to perform local emergency management functions.

(3) "Political subdivision" means any county, city or town.

(4) "Emergency worker" means any person, including but not limited to an architect registered under chapter 18.08 RCW or a professional engineer registered under chapter 18.43 RCW, who is registered with a local emergency management organization or the department and holds an identification card issued by the local emergency management director or the department for the purpose of engaging in authorized emergency management activities or is an employee of the state of Washington or any political subdivision thereof who is called upon to perform emergency management activities.

(5) "Injury" as used in this chapter shall mean and include accidental injuries and/or occupational diseases arising out of emergency management activities.

(6)(a) "Emergency or disaster" as used in all sections of this chapter except RCW 38.52.430 shall mean an event or set of circumstances which: (i) Demands immediate action to preserve public health, protect life, protect public property, or to provide relief to any stricken community overtaken by such occurrences, or (ii) reaches such a dimension or degree of destructiveness as to warrant the governor declaring a state of emergency pursuant to RCW 43.06.010.

(b) "Emergency" as used in RCW 38.52.430 means an incident that requires a normal police, coroner, fire, rescue, emergency medical services, or utility response as a result of a violation of one of the statutes enumerated in RCW 38.52.430.

(7) "Search and rescue" means the acts of searching for, rescuing, or recovering by means of ground, marine, or air activity any person who becomes lost, injured, or is killed while outdoors or as a result of a natural, technological, or human caused disaster, including instances involving searches for downed aircraft when ground personnel are used. Nothing in this section shall affect appropriate activity by the department of transportation under chapter 47.68 RCW.

(8) "Executive head" and "executive heads" means the county executive in those charter counties with an elective office of county executive, however designated, and, in the case of other counties, the county legislative authority. In the case of cities and towns, it means the mayor in those cities and towns with mayor-council or commission forms of government, where the mayor is directly elected, and it means the city manager in those cities and towns with council manager forms of government. Cities and towns may also designate an executive head for the purposes of this chapter by ordinance.

(9) "Director" means the adjutant general.

(10) "Local director" means the director of a local organization of emergency management or emergency services.

(11) "Department" means the state military department.

(12) "Emergency response" as used in RCW 38.52.430 means a public agency's use of emergency services during an emergency or disaster as defined in subsection (6)(b) of this section.

(13) "Expense of an emergency response" as used in RCW 38.52.430 means reasonable costs incurred by a public agency in reasonably making an appropriate emergency response to the incident, but shall only include those costs directly arising from the response to the particular incident. Reasonable costs shall include the costs of providing police, coroner, fire fighting, rescue, emergency medical services, or utility response at the scene of the incident, as well as the salaries of the personnel responding to the incident.

(14) "Public agency" means the state, and a city, county, municipal corporation, district, town, or public authority located, in whole or in part, within this state which provides or may provide fire fighting, police, ambulance, medical, or other emergency services.

(15) "Incident command system" means: (a) An all-hazards, on-scene functional management system that establishes common standards in organization, terminology, and procedures; provides a means (unified command) for the establishment of a common set of incident objectives and strategies during multiagency/multijurisdiction operations while maintaining individual agency/jurisdiction authority, responsibility, and accountability; and is a component of the national interagency incident management system; or (b) an equivalent and compatible all-hazards, on-scene functional management system.

(16) "Radio communications service company" has the meaning ascribed to it in RCW 82.14B.020.

[2002 c 341 § 2; 1997 c 49 § 1; 1995 c 391 § 2. Prior: 1993 c 251 § 5; 1993 c 206 § 1; 1986 c 266 § 23; 1984 c 38 § 2; 1979 ex.s. c 268 § 1; 1975 1st ex.s. c 113 § 1; 1974 ex.s. c 171 § 4; 1967 c 203 § 1; 1953 c 223 § 2; 1951 c 178 § 3.]

Notes: Severability -- Effective date -- 2002 c 341: See notes following RCW 38.52.501.

Effective date -- 1995 c 391: See note following RCW 38.52.005.

Finding -- Intent -- 1993 c 251: See note following RCW 38.52.430.

Severability -- 1986 c 266: See note following RCW 38.52.005.

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38.52.020
Declaration of policy and purpose.
(1) Because of the existing and increasing possibility of the occurrence of disasters of unprecedented size and destructiveness as defined in RCW 38.52.010(6), and in order to insure that preparations of this state will be adequate to deal with such disasters, to insure the administration of state and federal programs providing disaster relief to individuals, and further to insure adequate support for search and rescue operations, and generally to protect the public peace, health, and safety, and to preserve the lives and property of the people of the state, it is hereby found and declared to be necessary:

(a) To provide for emergency management by the state, and to authorize the creation of local organizations for emergency management in the political subdivisions of the state;

(b) To confer upon the governor and upon the executive heads of the political subdivisions of the state the emergency powers provided herein;

(c) To provide for the rendering of mutual aid among the political subdivisions of the state and with other states and to cooperate with the federal government with respect to the carrying out of emergency management functions;

(d) To provide a means of compensating emergency management workers who may suffer any injury, as herein defined, or death; who suffer economic harm including personal property damage or loss; or who incur expenses for transportation, telephone or other methods of communication, and the use of personal supplies as a result of participation in emergency management activities; and

(e) To provide programs, with intergovernmental cooperation, to educate and train the public to be prepared for emergencies.

(2) It is further declared to be the purpose of this chapter and the policy of the state that all emergency management functions of this state and its political subdivisions be coordinated to the maximum extent with the comparable functions of the federal government including its various departments and agencies of other states and localities, and of private agencies of every type, to the end that the most effective preparation and use may be made of the nation's manpower, resources, and facilities for dealing with any disaster that may occur.

[1986 c 266 § 24; 1984 c 38 § 3; 1979 ex.s. c 268 § 2; 1975 1st ex.s. c 113 § 2; 1974 ex.s. c 171 § 5; 1967 c 203 § 2; 1953 c 223 § 1; 1951 c 178 § 2.]

Notes: Severability -- 1986 c 266: See note following RCW 38.52.005.

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38.52.030
Director — Comprehensive emergency management plan — Statewide enhanced 911 emergency communications network — State coordinator of search and rescue operations — State program for emergency assistance — State coordinator for radioactive and hazardous waste emergency response programs.
(1) The director may employ such personnel and may make such expenditures within the appropriation therefor, or from other funds made available for purposes of emergency management, as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter.

(2) The director, subject to the direction and control of the governor, shall be responsible to the governor for carrying out the program for emergency management of this state. The director shall coordinate the activities of all organizations for emergency management within the state, and shall maintain liaison with and cooperate with emergency management agencies and organizations of other states and of the federal government, and shall have such additional authority, duties, and responsibilities authorized by this chapter, as may be prescribed by the governor.

(3) The director shall develop and maintain a comprehensive, all-hazard emergency plan for the state which shall include an analysis of the natural, technological, or human caused hazards which could affect the state of Washington, and shall include the procedures to be used during emergencies for coordinating local resources, as necessary, and the resources of all state agencies, departments, commissions, and boards. The comprehensive emergency management plan shall direct the department in times of state emergency to administer and manage the state's emergency operations center. This will include representation from all appropriate state agencies and be available as a single point of contact for the authorizing of state resources or actions, including emergency permits. The comprehensive emergency management plan must specify the use of the incident command system for multiagency/multijurisdiction operations. The comprehensive, all-hazard emergency plan authorized under this subsection may not include preparation for emergency evacuation or relocation of residents in anticipation of nuclear attack. This plan shall be known as the comprehensive emergency management plan.

(4) In accordance with the comprehensive emergency management plans and the programs for the emergency management of this state, the director shall procure supplies and equipment, institute training programs and public information programs, and shall take all other preparatory steps, including the partial or full mobilization of emergency management organizations in advance of actual disaster, to insure the furnishing of adequately trained and equipped forces of emergency management personnel in time of need.

(5) The director shall make such studies and surveys of the industries, resources, and facilities in this state as may be necessary to ascertain the capabilities of the state for emergency management, and shall plan for the most efficient emergency use thereof.

(6) The emergency management council shall advise the director on all aspects of the communications and warning systems and facilities operated or controlled under the provisions of this chapter.

(7) The director, through the state enhanced 911 coordinator, shall coordinate and facilitate implementation and operation of a statewide enhanced 911 emergency communications network.

(8) The director shall appoint a state coordinator of search and rescue operations to coordinate those state resources, services and facilities (other than those for which the state director of aeronautics is directly responsible) requested by political subdivisions in support of search and rescue operations, and on request to maintain liaison with and coordinate the resources, services, and facilities of political subdivisions when more than one political subdivision is engaged in joint search and rescue operations.

(9) The director, subject to the direction and control of the governor, shall prepare and administer a state program for emergency assistance to individuals within the state who are victims of a natural, technological, or human caused disaster, as defined by RCW 38.52.010(6). Such program may be integrated into and coordinated with disaster assistance plans and programs of the federal government which provide to the state, or through the state to any political subdivision thereof, services, equipment, supplies, materials, or funds by way of gift, grant, or loan for purposes of assistance to individuals affected by a disaster. Further, such program may include, but shall not be limited to, grants, loans, or gifts of services, equipment, supplies, materials, or funds of the state, or any political subdivision thereof, to individuals who, as a result of a disaster, are in need of assistance and who meet standards of eligibility for disaster assistance established by the department of social and health services: PROVIDED, HOWEVER, That nothing herein shall be construed in any manner inconsistent with the provisions of Article VIII, section 5 or section 7 of the Washington state Constitution.

(10) The director shall appoint a state coordinator for radioactive and hazardous waste emergency response programs. The coordinator shall consult with the state radiation control officer in matters relating to radioactive materials. The duties of the state coordinator for radioactive and hazardous waste emergency response programs shall include:

(a) Assessing the current needs and capabilities of state and local radioactive and hazardous waste emergency response teams on an ongoing basis;

(b) Coordinating training programs for state and local officials for the purpose of updating skills relating to emergency mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery;

(c) Utilizing appropriate training programs such as those offered by the federal emergency management agency, the department of transportation and the environmental protection agency; and

(d) Undertaking other duties in this area that are deemed appropriate by the director.

[1997 c 49 § 2; 1995 c 269 § 1201. Prior: 1991 c 322 § 20; 1991 c 54 § 2; 1986 c 266 § 25; 1984 c 38 § 4; 1975 1st ex.s. c 113 § 3; 1973 1st ex.s. c 154 § 58; 1967 c 203 § 3; 1951 c 178 § 4.]

Notes: Effective date -- 1995 c 269: See note following RCW 9.94A.850.

Part headings not law -- Severability -- 1995 c 269: See notes following RCW 13.40.005.

Findings -- Intent -- 1991 c 322: See note following RCW 86.12.200.

Referral to electorate -- 1991 c 54: "Sections 1 through 6 and 9 through 16 of this act shall be submitted to the people for their adoption and ratification, or rejection, at the next succeeding general election to be held in this state, in accordance with Article II, section 1 of the state Constitution, as amended, and the laws adopted to facilitate the operation thereof. The ballot title for this act shall be: "Shall enhanced 911 emergency telephone dialing be provided throughout the state and be funded by a tax on telephone lines?"" [1991 c 54 § 17.]

Reviser's note: "This act," chapter 54, Laws of 1991, was adopted and ratified by the people at the November 5, 1991, general election (Referendum Bill No. 42).

Severability -- 1986 c 266: See note following RCW 38.52.005.

Severability -- 1973 1st ex.s. c 154: See note following RCW 2.12.030.

Hazardous and radioactive wastes: Chapters 70.98, 70.99, 70.105, 70.136 RCW.

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38.52.037
Comprehensive state mine rescue plan — Submittal to legislature.
The department shall consult with appropriate local, state, federal, and private sector officials in developing a comprehensive state mine rescue plan. The plan shall identify mine rescue resources, set forth a framework for a coordinated response to mine rescue emergencies, identify shortfalls, and recommend solutions.

The draft of the comprehensive state mine rescue plan and a schedule for submittal of the final plan shall be submitted to the legislature on January 13, 1986.

[1986 c 266 § 26; 1985 c 459 § 6.]

Notes: Severability -- 1986 c 266: See note following RCW 38.52.005.

Severability -- 1985 c 459: See note following RCW 79.14.510.

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38.52.040
Emergency management council — Members — Ad hoc committees — Function as state emergency response commission — Rules review.
(1) There is hereby created the emergency management council (hereinafter called the council), to consist of not more than seventeen members who shall be appointed by the governor. The membership of the council shall include, but not be limited to, representatives of city and county governments, sheriffs and police chiefs, the Washington state patrol, the military department, the department of ecology, state and local fire chiefs, seismic safety experts, state and local emergency management directors, search and rescue volunteers, medical professions who have expertise in emergency medical care, building officials, and private industry. The representatives of private industry shall include persons knowledgeable in emergency and hazardous materials management. The council members shall elect a chairman from within the council membership. The members of the council shall serve without compensation, but may be reimbursed for their travel expenses incurred in the performance of their duties in accordance with RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060 as now existing or hereafter amended.

(2) The emergency management council shall advise the governor and the director on all matters pertaining to state and local emergency management. The council may appoint such ad hoc committees, subcommittees, and working groups as are required to develop specific recommendations for the improvement of emergency management practices, standards, policies, or procedures. The council shall ensure that the governor receives an annual assessment of statewide emergency preparedness including, but not limited to, specific progress on hazard mitigation and reduction efforts, implementation of seismic safety improvements, reduction of flood hazards, and coordination of hazardous materials planning and response activities. The council or a subcommittee thereof shall periodically convene in special session and serve during those sessions as the state emergency response commission required by P.L. 99-499, the emergency planning and community right-to-know act. When sitting in session as the state emergency response commission, the council shall confine its deliberations to those items specified in federal statutes and state administrative rules governing the coordination of hazardous materials policy. The council shall review administrative rules governing state and local emergency management practices and recommend necessary revisions to the director.

[1995 c 269 § 1202; 1988 c 81 § 18; 1984 c 38 § 5; 1979 ex.s. c 57 § 8; 1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 34 § 82; 1974 ex.s. c 171 § 6; 1951 c 178 § 5.]

Notes: Effective date -- 1995 c 269: See note following RCW 9.94A.850.

Part headings not law -- Severability -- 1995 c 269: See notes following RCW 13.40.005.

Effective date -- Severability -- 1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 34: See notes following RCW 2.08.115.

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38.52.050
Governor's general powers and duties.
(1) The governor, through the director, shall have general supervision and control of the emergency management functions in the department, and shall be responsible for the carrying out of the provisions of this chapter, and in the event of disaster beyond local control, may assume direct operational control over all or any part of the emergency management functions within this state.

(2) In performing his or her duties under this chapter, the governor is authorized to cooperate with the federal government, with other states, and with private agencies in all matters pertaining to the emergency management of this state and of the nation.

(3) In performing his or her duties under this chapter and to effect its policy and purpose, the governor is further authorized and empowered:

(a) To make, amend, and rescind the necessary orders, rules, and regulations to carry out the provisions of this chapter within the limits of the authority conferred upon him herein, with due consideration of the plans of the federal government;

(b) On behalf of this state, to enter into mutual aid arrangements with other states and territories, or provinces of the Dominion of Canada and to coordinate mutual aid interlocal agreements between political subdivisions of this state;

(c) To delegate any administrative authority vested in him under this chapter, and to provide for the subdelegation of any such authority;

(d) To appoint, with the advice of local authorities, metropolitan or regional area coordinators, or both, when practicable;

(e) To cooperate with the president and the heads of the armed forces, the emergency management agency of the United States, and other appropriate federal officers and agencies, and with the officers and agencies of other states in matters pertaining to the emergency management of the state and nation.

[1997 c 49 § 3; 1986 c 266 § 27; 1984 c 38 § 6; 1974 ex.s. c 171 § 7; 1951 c 178 § 6.]

Notes: Severability -- 1986 c 266: See note following RCW 38.52.005.

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38.52.070
Local organizations and joint local organizations authorized — Establishment, operation — Emergency powers, procedures.
(1) Each political subdivision of this state is hereby authorized and directed to establish a local organization or to be a member of a joint local organization for emergency management in accordance with the state comprehensive emergency management plan and program: PROVIDED, That a political subdivision proposing such establishment shall submit its plan and program for emergency management to the state director and secure his or her recommendations thereon, and verification of consistency with the state comprehensive emergency management plan, in order that the plan of the local organization for emergency management may be coordinated with the plan and program of the state. Local comprehensive emergency management plans must specify the use of the incident command system for multiagency/multijurisdiction operations. No political subdivision may be required to include in its plan provisions for the emergency evacuation or relocation of residents in anticipation of nuclear attack. If the director's recommendations are adverse to the plan as submitted, and, if the local organization does not agree to the director's recommendations for modification to the proposal, the matter shall be referred to the council for final action. The director may authorize two or more political subdivisions to join in the establishment and operation of a joint local organization for emergency management as circumstances may warrant, in which case each political subdivision shall contribute to the cost of emergency management upon such fair and equitable basis as may be determined upon by the executive heads of the constituent subdivisions. If in any case the executive heads cannot agree upon the proper division of cost the matter shall be referred to the council for arbitration and its decision shall be final. When two or more political subdivisions join in the establishment and operation of a joint local organization for emergency management each shall pay its share of the cost into a special pooled fund to be administered by the treasurer of the most populous subdivision, which fund shall be known as the . . . . . . emergency management fund. Each local organization or joint local organization for emergency management shall have a director who shall be appointed by the executive head of the political subdivision, and who shall have direct responsibility for the organization, administration, and operation of such local organization for emergency management, subject to the direction and control of such executive officer or officers. In the case of a joint local organization for emergency management, the director shall be appointed by the joint action of the executive heads of the constituent political subdivisions. Each local organization or joint local organization for emergency management shall perform emergency management functions within the territorial limits of the political subdivision within which it is organized, and, in addition, shall conduct such functions outside of such territorial limits as may be required pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.

(2) In carrying out the provisions of this chapter each political subdivision, in which any disaster as described in RCW 38.52.020 occurs, shall have the power to enter into contracts and incur obligations necessary to combat such disaster, protecting the health and safety of persons and property, and providing emergency assistance to the victims of such disaster. Each political subdivision is authorized to exercise the powers vested under this section in the light of the exigencies of an extreme emergency situation without regard to time-consuming procedures and formalities prescribed by law (excepting mandatory constitutional requirements), including, but not limited to, budget law limitations, requirements of competitive bidding and publication of notices, provisions pertaining to the performance of public work, entering into contracts, the incurring of obligations, the employment of temporary workers, the rental of equipment, the purchase of supplies and materials, the levying of taxes, and the appropriation and expenditures of public funds.

[1997 c 49 § 4; 1986 c 266 § 28; 1984 c 38 § 7; 1974 ex.s. c 171 § 9; 1951 c 178 § 8.]

Notes: Severability -- 1986 c 266: See note following RCW 38.52.005.

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38.52.080
Outside aid — Rights and liabilities — Claims.
(1) Whenever the employees of any political subdivision are rendering outside aid pursuant to the authority contained in RCW 38.52.070 such employees shall have the same powers, duties, rights, privileges, and immunities as if they were performing their duties in the political subdivisions in which they are normally employed.

(2) The political subdivision in which any equipment is used pursuant to this section shall be liable for any loss or damage thereto and shall pay any expense incurred in the operation and maintenance thereof. No claim for such loss, damage, or expense shall be allowed unless, within sixty days after the same is sustained or incurred, an itemized notice of such claim under oath is served by mail or otherwise upon the executive head of such political subdivision where the equipment was used. The term "employee" as used in this section shall mean, and the provisions of this section shall apply with equal effect to, volunteer auxiliary employees, and emergency workers.

(3) The foregoing rights, privileges, and obligations shall also apply in the event such aid is rendered outside the state, provided that payment or reimbursement in such case shall or may be made by the state or political subdivision receiving such aid pursuant to a reciprocal mutual aid agreement or compact with such state or by the federal government.

[1984 c 38 § 8; 1974 ex.s. c 171 § 10; 1951 c 178 § 9.]

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38.52.091
Mutual aid and interlocal agreements — Requirements.
(1) The director of each local organization for emergency management may, in collaboration with other public and private agencies within this state, develop or cause to be developed mutual aid arrangements for reciprocal emergency management aid and assistance in case of disaster too great to be dealt with unassisted. Such arrangements must be consistent with the state emergency management plan and program, and in time of emergency it is the duty of each local organization for emergency management to render assistance in accordance with the provisions of such mutual aid arrangements. The adjutant general shall maintain and distribute a mutual aid and interlocal agreement handbook.

(2) The adjutant general and the director of each local organization for emergency management may, subject to the approval of the governor, enter into mutual aid arrangements with emergency management agencies or organizations in other states for reciprocal emergency management aid and assistance in case of disaster too great to be dealt with unassisted. All such arrangements must contain the language and provisions in subsection (3) of this section.

(3) Mutual aid and interlocal agreements must include the following:

Purpose

The purpose must state the reason the mutual aid or interlocal agreement or compact is coordinated, the parties to the agreement or compact, and the assistance to be provided.

Authorization

Article I, section 10 of the Constitution of the United States permits a state to enter into an agreement or compact with another state, subject to the consent of Congress. Congress, through enactment of Title 50 U.S.C. Sections 2281(g), 2283 and the Executive Department, by issuance of Executive Orders No. 10186 of December 1, 1950, encourages the states to enter into emergency, disaster and civil defense mutual aid agreements or pacts.

Implementation

The conditions that guide the agreement or compacts may include, but are not limited to:

(a) A statement of which authority or authorities are authorized to request and receive assistance and the conditions that must exist for the request or receipt of assistance.

(b) A statement of how the requests for assistance may be made, what documentation of the request is required, the specifics of any details included in the request, and the required approval for the request.

(c) A statement of the direction and control relationship between the personnel and equipment provided by the jurisdiction to the requester and the requirements of the requester to coordinate the activities of the jurisdiction providing the assets.

(d) A statement of the circumstances by which the assisting jurisdiction may withdraw support from the requester and the method by which this is to be communicated.

General Fiscal Provisions

The terms of reimbursement must be stated defining the relationship between the requesting jurisdiction and the aiding jurisdiction, when reimbursement will be made, and details of the claim for reimbursement. The provisions may include statements that discuss but are not limited to:

(a) A statement of what costs are incurred by the requesting jurisdiction.

(b) A statement of what costs and compensation benefits are made to individuals from the aiding jurisdiction by the requesting jurisdiction.

Privileges and Immunities

The conditions and immunities that are enjoyed by the individuals from the aiding jurisdiction to the requesting jurisdiction must be stated. These provisions may include but are not limited to:

(a) A statement of the privileges and immunities from liability and the law an employee of a supporting jurisdiction enjoys while supporting the requesting jurisdiction.

(b) A statement of the privileges and immunities from liability and the law a volunteer from a supporting jurisdiction enjoys while supporting the requesting jurisdiction.

(c) A statement on the use of the national guard between the requesting and supporting jurisdictions.

(d) A hold harmless agreement between the signatory jurisdictions.

(e) The precedence this agreement takes with existing agreements.

(f) A time line by which information required by the agreement is exchanged and updated annually.

(g) The time in which the agreement becomes effective.

(h) The time and conditions when a signatory may withdraw and render the agreement ineffective.

[1997 c 195 § 1.]

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38.52.100
Appropriations — Acceptance of funds, services, etc.
(1) Each political subdivision shall have the power to make appropriations in the manner provided by law for making appropriations for the ordinary expenses of such political subdivision for the payment of expenses of its local organization for emergency management.

(2) Whenever the federal government or any agency or officer thereof shall offer to the state, or through the state to any political subdivision thereof, services, equipment, supplies, materials, or funds by way of gift, grant, or loan, for purposes of emergency management, the state, acting through the governor, or such political subdivision, acting with the consent of the governor and through its executive head, may accept such offer and upon such acceptance the governor of the state or executive head of such political subdivision may authorize any officer of the state or of the political subdivision, as the case may be, to receive such services, equipment, supplies, materials, or funds on behalf of the state or such political subdivision, and subject to the terms of the offer and the rules and regulations, if any, of the agency making the offer.

(3) Whenever any person, firm, or corporation shall offer to the state or to any political subdivision thereof, services, equipment, supplies, materials, or funds by way of gift, grant, or loan, for the purposes of emergency management, the state, acting through the governor, or such political subdivision, acting through its executive head, may accept such offer and upon such acceptance the governor of the state or executive head of such political subdivision may authorize any officer of the state or of the political subdivision, as the case may be, to receive such services, equipment, supplies, materials, or funds on behalf of the state or such political subdivision, and subject to the terms of the offer.

[1984 c 38 § 10; 1974 ex.s. c 171 § 12; 1951 c 178 § 12.]

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38.52.105
Disaster response account.
The disaster response account is created in the state treasury. Moneys may be placed in the account from legislative appropriations and transfers, federal appropriations, or any other lawful source. Moneys in the account may be spent only after appropriation. Expenditures from the account may be used only for support of state agency and local government disaster response and recovery efforts and to reimburse the workers' compensation funds and self-insured employers under RCW 51.16.220. During the 2001-03 biennium, funds from the account may also be used for costs associated with national security preparedness activities.

[2005 c 422 § 2; 2002 c 371 § 903; 1997 c 251 § 1.]

Notes: Rules--Effective date -- 2005 c 422: See notes following RCW 51.16.220.

Severability -- Effective date -- 2002 c 371: See notes following RCW 9.46.100.

Effective date -- 1997 c 251: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately [May 5, 1997]." [1997 c 251 § 2.]

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38.52.106
Nisqually earthquake account.
The Nisqually earthquake account is created in the state treasury. Moneys may be placed in the account from tax revenues, budget transfers or appropriations, federal appropriations, gifts, or any other lawful source. Moneys in the account may be spent only after appropriation. Moneys in the account shall be used only to support state and local government disaster response and recovery efforts associated with the Nisqually earthquake. During the 2003-2005 fiscal biennium, the legislature may transfer moneys from the Nisqually earthquake account to the disaster response account for fire suppression and mobilization costs.

[2003 1st sp.s. c 25 § 913; 2002 c 371 § 904; 2001 c 5 § 2.]

Notes: Severability -- Effective date -- 2003 1st sp.s. c 25: See notes following RCW 19.28.351.

Severability -- Effective date -- 2002 c 371: See notes following RCW 9.46.100.

Nisqually earthquake emergency declaration -- 2001 c 5: "The legislature declares an emergency caused by a natural disaster, known as the Nisqually earthquake, which occurred on February 28, 2001, as proclaimed by the governor and the president of the United States." [2001 c 5 § 1.]

Effective date -- 2001 c 5: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately [March 12, 2001]." [2001 c 5 § 6.]

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38.52.110
Use of existing services and facilities — Impressment of citizenry.
(1) In carrying out the provisions of this chapter, the governor and the executive heads of the political subdivisions of the state are directed to utilize the services, equipment, supplies, and facilities of existing departments, offices, and agencies of the state, political subdivisions, and all other municipal corporations thereof including but not limited to districts and quasi municipal corporations organized under the laws of the state of Washington to the maximum extent practicable, and the officers and personnel of all such departments, offices, and agencies are directed to cooperate with and extend such services and facilities to the governor and to the emergency management organizations of the state upon request notwithstanding any other provision of law.

(2) The governor, the chief executive of counties, cities and towns and the emergency management directors of local political subdivisions appointed in accordance with this chapter, in the event of a disaster, after proclamation by the governor of the existence of such disaster, shall have the power to command the service and equipment of as many citizens as considered necessary in the light of the disaster proclaimed: PROVIDED, That citizens so commandeered shall be entitled during the period of such service to all privileges, benefits and immunities as are provided by this chapter and federal and state emergency management regulations for registered emergency workers.

[1984 c 38 § 11; 1974 ex.s. c 171 § 13; 1971 ex.s. c 8 § 1; 1955 c 210 § 1; 1951 c 178 § 13.]

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38.52.120
Political activity prohibited.
No organization for emergency management established under the authority of this chapter shall participate in any form of political activity, nor shall it be employed directly or indirectly for political purposes.

[1984 c 38 § 12; 1974 ex.s. c 171 § 14; 1951 c 178 § 14.]

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38.52.140
Status of civil service employee preserved.
Any civil service employee of the state of Washington or of any political subdivision thereof while on leave of absence and on duty with any emergency management agency authorized under the provisions of this chapter shall be preserved in his civil service status as to seniority and retirement rights so long as he regularly continues to make the usual contributions incident to the retention of such beneficial rights as if he were not on leave of absence.

[1984 c 38 § 13; 1974 ex.s. c 171 § 16; 1951 c 178 § 16.]

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38.52.150
Orders, rules, regulations — Enforcement — Availability — Penalty.
(1) It shall be the duty of every organization for emergency management established pursuant to this chapter and of the officers thereof to execute and enforce such orders, rules, and regulations as may be made by the governor under authority of this chapter. Each such organization shall have available for inspection at its office all orders, rules, and regulations made by the governor, or under his or her authority.

(2)(a) Except as provided in (b) of this subsection, every violation of any rule, regulation, or order issued under the authority of this chapter is a misdemeanor.

(b) A second offense hereunder the same is a gross misdemeanor.

[2003 c 53 § 211; 1984 c 38 § 14; 1974 ex.s. c 171 § 17; 1951 c 178 § 18.]

Notes: Intent -- Effective date -- 2003 c 53: See notes following RCW 2.48.180.

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38.52.160
Matching funds from political subdivision may be required.
The emergency management agency is hereby authorized to require of any political subdivision to which funds are allocated under this chapter for any project, use or activity that such subdivision shall provide matching funds in equal amounts with respect to such project, use or activity.

[1984 c 38 § 15; 1974 ex.s. c 171 § 18; 1951 c 178 § 19.]

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38.52.170
Plan for federal area.
Whenever the director finds that it will be in the interest of the emergency management of this state or of the United States, the director may, with the approval of the governor, agree with the federal government, or any agency thereof carrying on activities within this state, upon a plan of emergency management applicable to a federally owned area, which plan may or may not conform to all of the other provisions of this chapter with the view to integrating federally owned areas into the comprehensive plan and program of the emergency management of this state. Such plan may confer upon persons carrying out such plan any or all of the rights, powers, privileges and immunities granted employees or representatives of the state and/or its political subdivisions by this chapter. The plan of emergency management authorized under this section may not include preparation for emergency evacuation or relocation of residents in anticipation of nuclear attack.

[1986 c 266 § 30; 1984 c 38 § 16; 1974 ex.s. c 171 § 19; 1951 c 178 § 20.]

Notes: Severability -- 1986 c 266: See note following RCW 38.52.005.

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38.52.180
Liability for property damage, bodily injury, death — Immunity — Assumption by state — Indemnification.
(1) There shall be no liability on the part of anyone including any person, partnership, corporation, the state of Washington or any political subdivision thereof who owns or maintains any building or premises which have been designated by a local organization for emergency management as a shelter from destructive operations or attacks by enemies of the United States for any injuries sustained by any person while in or upon said building or premises, as a result of the condition of said building or premises or as a result of any act or omission, or in any way arising from the designation of such premises as a shelter, when such person has entered or gone upon or into said building or premises for the purpose of seeking refuge therein during destructive operations or attacks by enemies of the United States or during tests ordered by lawful authority, except for an act of wilful negligence by such owner or occupant or his servants, agents, or employees.

(2) All legal liability for damage to property or injury or death to persons (except an emergency worker, regularly enrolled and acting as such), caused by acts done, or attempted, under the color of this chapter in a bona fide attempt to comply therewith shall be the obligation of the state of Washington. Suits may be instituted and maintained against the state for the enforcement of such liability, or for the indemnification of persons appointed and regularly enrolled as emergency workers while actually engaged in emergency management duties, or as members of any agency of the state or political subdivision thereof engaged in emergency management activity, or their dependents, for damage done to their private property, or for any judgment against them for acts done in good faith in compliance with this chapter: PROVIDED, That the foregoing shall not be construed to result in indemnification in any case of wilful misconduct, gross negligence or bad faith on the part of any agent of emergency management: PROVIDED, That should the United States or any agency thereof, in accordance with any federal statute, rule or regulation, provide for the payment of damages to property and/or for death or injury as provided for in this section, then and in that event there shall be no liability or obligation whatsoever upon the part of the state of Washington for any such damage, death, or injury for which the United States government assumes liability.

(3) Any requirement for a license to practice any professional, mechanical or other skill shall not apply to any authorized emergency worker who shall, in the course of performing his duties as such, practice such professional, mechanical or other skill during an emergency described in this chapter.

(4) The provisions of this section shall not affect the right of any person to receive benefits to which he would otherwise be entitled under this chapter, or under the workers' compensation law, or under any pension or retirement law, nor the right of any such person to receive any benefits or compensation under any act of congress.

[1987 c 185 § 7; 1984 c 38 § 17; 1974 ex.s. c 171 § 20; 1971 ex.s. c 8 § 2; 1953 c 145 § 1; 1951 c 178 § 11.]

Notes: Intent -- Severability -- 1987 c 185: See notes following RCW 51.12.130.

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38.52.190
Compensation for injury or death — Chapter exclusive.
Except as provided in this chapter, an emergency worker and his dependents shall have no right to receive compensation from the state, from the agency, from the local organization for emergency management with which he is registered, or from the county or city which has empowered the local organization for emergency management to register him and direct his activities, for an injury or death arising out of and occurring in the course of his activities as an emergency worker.

[1984 c 38 § 18; 1974 ex.s. c 171 § 21; 1953 c 223 § 3.]

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