State of Emergency? What exactly does that mean?

[Beauty]

Just heard in one of those little news break things that the govenor has declared Mississippi in a State of Emergency after talking with the security commission this morning.

What exactly does that mean??

 

[wovenwonder]

Did they mention WHY they were in a state of emergency? We had a low level state of emergency here in PA during the February snow storm.

 

[December99]

That is interesting...usually it happens like after really horrible weather and there has been a lot of damage.

I wonder if it's because there is a big Port region down there....keep us updated and stay safe!

 

[Beauty]

Nope, it was just one of those little news break things between programs and it said "Govenor declares Mississippi in a State of Emergency after morning discussions with Security Council."

Maybe hightened awareness??? We do have a nucleor power plant in Port Gibson plus the Air Force Base in Biloxi...Keesler???

 

[December99]

Here's a link to a story I found from a Mississippi ABC affiliate

http://www.wlox.com/Global/story.asp?S=1184961&nav=6DJHEe31

That's what is outlined in the above link....I think probably to heighten security near the ports and nuclear facilities

 

[Beauty]

Thanks Chris!!!!

 

[December99]

Not a prob Beth!

 

[Goofyposter]

Musgrove says the emergency declaration allows him to deploy the Mississippi National Guard to secure ports around the state and to the Grand Gulf Nuclear Station in Claiborne County.

Musgrove says Mississippi is now on orange alert, the second highest threat level. Musgrove says even though the state is not considered a primary terrorism target, the state of emergency has been declared to ensure the safety of Mississippi residents.

(Copyright 2003 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Looks like essentially just a "legal thing" so as to permit the State to perform certain civil functions and to use State Assets in a way that requires such a 'declaration' to do so.