A state of emergency allows a government to enforce laws that would otherwise be banned for the safety of its citizens in response to a threat or danger to the country. It may be a result of natural disasters, civil unrest, armed conflict or biosecurity risk. It grants the president broad emergency powers that reduce the traditional checks and balances in the executive branch of government. State governments can also declare states of emergencies within their borders.
A government can impose a state of emergency by passing the necessary legislation in Parliament. This is the required procedure in any democracy. The law must provide for safeguards for the rights of citizens and the public to be protected from the emergency powers of the executive. The law must also provide for the proper monitoring of the executive actions to ensure that the president is not abusing his or her powers.
Once a declaration has been made, NJOEM puts the State Emergency Operations Plan into effect and activates the State Emergency Operations Center to full 24-hour staffing. NJOEM will mobilize the public and private sector for response and recovery efforts. Private organizations like the American Red Cross and The Salvation Army are often called to provide assistance. Other volunteer groups such as the Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES) and the Civil Air Patrol are also often used for critical mission roles.
A state of emergency does not automatically close State offices. The Governor will determine on a case-by-case basis if it is necessary to close or scale back the work of State Offices due to conditions experienced during the state of emergency. The Governor will communicate this decision to the Cabinet and to the media.