What is a Disaster?
A disaster is any natural or human-made event that significantly disrupts lives, property, and the environment. Disasters can range from hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, and wildfires to technological accidents or acts of terrorism. They often result in widespread destruction, overwhelming resources and response capabilities, and requiring coordinated action to aid affected communities. Disasters pose risks to public safety and can lead to prolonged hardships if left unaddressed.

What is an Emergency Declaration?
An emergency declaration is a formal recognition by government authorities that a situation has escalated to a level requiring additional support and resources. This declaration allows for special measures and access to funding and personnel to assist with response and recovery efforts. Emergency declarations help ensure communities receive the aid and support they need to manage the impact of significant events quickly and effectively.

What is an Emergency Proclamation?
An emergency proclamation is a public announcement, typically issued by local or state leaders, to inform the community about the emergency status. The proclamation establishes the legal framework for enacting emergency powers, which may include resource allocation, evacuation orders, or other critical actions. This early notification is crucial to mobilizing resources swiftly and minimizing harm to affected communities.

Presidential vs. Governor Declarations
In the United States, both the President and state governors have the authority to declare emergencies, though they differ in scope and resources. A Governor’s Declaration is specific to the state level and allows for state-level emergency resources to be used to support affected areas. It often precedes federal assistance and may be all that’s required if the disaster’s impact remains manageable within state capabilities.

A Presidential Declaration comes into play when a disaster exceeds a state’s capacity to respond. Once a governor requests federal assistance, the President can issue a federal disaster declaration, unlocking a range of federal resources and financial aid. This federal support enhances state and local efforts, allowing for a coordinated, multi-level response to support recovery and rebuild.

KINGS COUNTY PROCLAMATIONS AND DECLARATIONS

KINGS COUNTY PROCLAIMS STATE OF EMERGENCY DUE WINTER STORMS

March 10, 2023 - As extreme weather passed throughout the state, Kings County Director of Emergency Services proclaimed a state of emergency due to the impacts of the March winter storms and their sustained effect on Kings County. The storm had an impact on several roads and caused numerous hazards throughout the County, all of which can cause risk to human safety and property. The purpose of the emergency proclamation was to address extensive weather-related damage and future damage from snow melt, debris flow, and flooding anticipated to occur throughout the County’s 1,392 square miles. Kings County was also added to the State Proclamation. 

LOCAL EMERGENCY DUE TO SPREAD OF THE NOVEL CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)

On March 17, 2020, Kings County issued an emergency proclamation due to the spread of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The resolution is linked to the title above. Please see the Kings County Department of Public Health webpage for current information regarding coronavirus in Kings County. 

LOCAL EMERGENCY DUE TO ACCUMULATING LIVESTOCK

On August 20, 2020, Kings County issued an emergency proclamation for the jurisdiction as a result of continued accumulation of livestock carcasses. This proclamation resulted in the enactment of emergency disposal methods of livestock to protect the public health and safety of the community during the emergency. Click the link above to read the full proclamation. A press release for the proclamation is also available here.

 LOCAL EMERGENCY DUE TO ACCUMULATING LIVESTOCK CARCASSES

On February 26, 2020, Kings County issued an emergency proclamation for the jurisdiction to allow for alternative disposal methods of animal carcasses during the temporary closure of a local rendering facility. The full resolution is linked to the title above. A press release for the proclamation is also available here. This proclamation was terminated on March 17, 2020, by the Kings County Board of Supervisors. Click the link to read the Resolution Suspending Local Emergency Due to Accumulating Livestock Carcasses.

LOCAL EMERGENCY DUE TO ACCUMULATING LIVESTOCK

On June 29, 2017, Kings County issued an emergency proclamation for the jurisdiction as a result of continued accumulation of livestock carcasses. This proclamation resulted in the enactment of emergency disposal methods of livestock to protect the public health and safety of the community during the emergency. Click the link above to read the full proclamation. 

This proclamation was terminated on July 11, 2017 by the Kings County Board of Supervisors. Click the link to read the Resolution Suspending Local Emergency Due to Accumulating Livestock. 

LOCAL EMERGENCY DUE TO DROUGHT CONDITIONS IN KINGS COUNTY

On March 6, 2012, the Kings County Board of Supervisors proclaimed a local emergency due to drought conditions in Kings County. Click the link above to read the last proclamation made on June 11, 2017. This proclamation was terminated on August 8, 2017. Click the link to read the Resolution Suspending Local Emergency Due to Drought Conditions


LOCAL EMERGENCY DUE TO FLOOD CONDITIONS IN KINGS COUNTY

On February 17, 2017, the Kings County Board of Supervisors proclaimed a local emergency due to flood conditions in Kings County due to excessive precipitation and resulting flood water impacts. Eligible entities that suffered damages during the February winter storm period are currently recovering from the emergency and working with Kings County, the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency to get financial and administrative assistance for the County.