Home Politics & Debate
If you need urgent support, call 999 or go to your nearest A&E. To contact our Crisis Messenger (open 24/7) text THEMIX to 85258.

States of Emergency

Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
This is a purely factual enquiry, before the arguments start. Basically, what happens when a state of emergency is declared in the USA? I guess there are different levels of emergency, right?

I just saw the bit on the news about the fires in Oregon and wondered exactly what the 'state of emergency' changed.

Thanks in advance.

Comments

  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    There was a state of emergency declared in the USA during the Seatle protest in November 1999 and during the 1992 LA riots. Basically it means a curfew is imposed and extra powers of arrest are allowed. 400 people were arrested during the Seatle protest against the WTO just for breaking the curfew and entering a no protest zone that was set up.
    <IMG alt="image" SRC="http://content.communities.msn.co.uk/isapi/fetch.dll?action=MyPhotos_GetPubPhoto&photoId=nHwD6d8kHGFl*X1gyoFi7e0n1np1NqQeXTD7tFKxaODcEG0mBUhjnJxulsI6x1Xt5"&gt;

    [This message has been edited by dragonfly (edited 15-08-2001).]
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    What about "natural disaster" emergencies, though?
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    I think that when there are natural disaster emergencies the army are called out to help deal with it. For example during the forest fire in Oregan I think army helicopoters are used to help spray water over the fire.
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    We have a 'national disaster' occurring here in Washington even as I type this. Forest fires abound and the Marines and Army reserves have been sent in to supplement the firefighters...to answer your question further though;

    When a National Disaster occurrs it usually qualifies those affected to low interest government loans for recovery...thus the importance of the designation.

    The WTO event was interesting because our lack luster 'mayor' declared a 'no protest' zone in violation of US and WA Constitutions and law...and that was the primary reason for the riot...interference with free speech. And yes, I am proud of our demonstrators showing as much reserve as they did...no one cracked out the 'hunting' rifle or family Assault Weapons to deal with the police because it was quickly realized that we, the citizenry, could deal with it in the courts...had the police used deadly force it would have been replied and all would likely still be shooting...and frankly, I have no problem with that either...we depend upon our police but don't want them turning into the Jack Booted Thughs that they attempted to be.

    You probably can't imagine the terrain where these Western US fires are occurring but to give you some idea...I ski at Steven's Pass which is near Leavenworth, WA, and some of the worst fires...they use an M-48 tank fireing live rounds for avalenge control...because it is easier and safer than trying to use dynamite...thrilling place to ski, love hearing that main gun fire...it's in the blood!

    It's morning here...ta!

    Diesel

    88888888
Sign In or Register to comment.