2.44.010 Office of Emergency Preparedness--Established.

A permanent agency, known as the Office of Emergency Preparedness, is established as an integral part of Pueblo County government, operating under the direction and control of the Pueblo County Department of Emergency Management and the Director thereof, who shall be empowered to execute documents, disburse funds, and to otherwise manage said Office in accordance with pertinent federal, state and county directives, policies and established procedures. (Res. 98-435 (part); Res. 93-109 § 1)

2.44.020 Coordinator responsibilities.

The coordinator of the Office of Emergency Preparedness shall be responsible for the actual organization, administration and operations of the office on an every-day basis under the direction of the Department of Emergency Management. (Res. 98-435 (part); Res. 93-109 § 2)

2.44.030 Office of Emergency Preparedness--Purpose.

By creating the Office of Emergency Preparedness, it is the intent of this Board to provide for the basic governmental functions necessary to protect and preserve the public health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of Pueblo County and to protect property during an emergency or disaster, including the mitigation of, preparedness for, response to, and recovery from such an emergency of disaster. Additionally, the aforementioned action is being taken to bring Pueblo County into full compliance with the appropriate sections of the Colorado Disaster Emergency Act of 1992 and all other pertinent federal, state and local laws or ordinances pertaining to civil defense-related activities.
In addition to the foregoing, the Office of Emergency Preparedness is also established to fulfill the responsibilities for emergency preparedness for both Pueblo County and the city of Pueblo, Colorado. (Res. 93-109 §§ 3, 4)

2.44.040 Duties and responsibilities.

The duties and responsibilities of this Board and the Director of the Pueblo County Department of Emergency Management shall be carried out as follows:
A. The Board of County Commissioners shall:
1. Subject to statutory limitations, provide direction and control for Pueblo County forces before, during and after disaster or emergency operations;
2. Assure continuity of government at all times in any major disaster or emergency situation;
3. The following is the line of succession with regard to the power to declare that a local disaster emergency exists:
a. Board of County Commissioners of Pueblo County,
b. Chairperson of the Board of County Commissioners of Pueblo County,
c. Any other member of the Board of County Commissioners of Pueblo County,
d. Director of the Pueblo County Department of Emergency Management.
Such declaration shall continue for a period not to exceed seven days and may be continued or renewed for a period in excess of seven days with the consent of the majority of the members of the Board of County Com-missioners of Pueblo County;
4. Any order or proclamation declaring, continuing or terminating a disaster or emergency shall be filed promptly with the state of Colorado and with the Pueblo County Clerk and Recorder. Such order or proclamation shall be promptly distributed to the appropriate representatives of the news media.
B. The Director of the Department of Emergency Management, acting by and through the Coordinator of the Office of Emergency Preparedness, shall:
1. Have direct responsibility for the organization, administration and operation of the Office of Emergency Preparedness;
2. Accept and comply with all applicable Federal Emergency Management Agency and state of Colorado regulations and standards relating to the development of a disaster/emergency operational capability and the receipt of federal assistance in that development and to sign and submit all documents and materials associated with said development;
3. Prepare and submit an annual budget to the Board of County Commissioners and the City Manager of the city of Pueblo, Colorado;
4. Shall, with the assistance of the Pueblo County Coordinator of the Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program (CSEPP), prepare and keep current the Pueblo Emergency Plan which shall conform to the standards and requirements as promulgated by the state of Colorado. Recognizing that an effective plan must evolve with experience and changing conditions, the Director of the Pueblo County Department of Emergency Management is charged with annually reviewing the Pueblo County Emergency Operations Plan for currency and completeness, and recommending amendments and/or additions to it;
5. Assist all appropriate officials in preparing a clear and complete statement of the emergency responsibilities for all agencies which may be activated in the event of a disaster or emergency;
6. In the event of a declared disaster or emergency, act under the direction of the Board of County Commissioners, or its designee, in undertaking the mitigation, response and recovery required during such disaster or emergency. (Res. 98-435 (part); Res. 95-188 §§ 4.1, 4.2; Res. 93-109 § 5)

2.44.050 Hazardous substance incidents--Response authority.

The Pueblo County Department of Emergency Management is designated as the Pueblo County Emergency Response Authority for hazardous substance incidents occurring within the unincorporated areas of Pueblo County. (Res. 98-435 (part); Res. 93-335 § 2)