Georgia Civil Defense Act of 1951

GEORGIA CIVIL DEFENSE ACT
of 1951
Signed February 19, 1951 by
GOVERNOR HERMAN TALMADGE

A BILL

To be entitled An Act relating to the establishment of a civil defense agency and other organizations for civil defense within this State; granting certain executive powers with respect thereto and for other and related purposes.

BE IT ENACfED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF GEORGIA AND IT IS HEREBY ENACfED BY AUTHORITY OF THE SAME:

Section 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the "Georgia Civil Defense Act of 1951."

Section 2. POLICY AND PURPOSE. (a) Because of the existing and increasing possibility of the occurrence of disasters or emergencies of unprecedented size and destructiveness resulting from enemy attack, sabotage or other hostile action, and in order to insure that preparations of this State will be adequate to deal with such disasters or emergencies, and generally to provide for the common defense and to protect the public peace, health, and safety, and to preserve the lives and property of the people of the State of Georgia, it is hereby found and declared to be necessary: (1) to create a State Civil Defense Agency, and to authorize the creation of local organizations for civil defense in the political subdivisions of the State; (2) to confer upon the Governor and upon the executive heads the emergency powers provided herein; and (3) to pro vide for the rendering of mutual aid among the political subdivisions of the State, and with other States, and with the Federal Government with respect to the carrying out of civil defense functions; and (4) to authorize the establishment of such organizations and the taking of such steps as are necessary and appropriate to carry out the provisions of this Act.

(b) It is further declared to be the purpo~ of this Act and the policy of the State of Georgia that all civil defense functions of this State be coordinated to the maximum extent with the comparable functions of the Federal Government including its various departments and agencies, of other States and localities, and of private agencies of every type, to the end that the most effective preparation and use may be made of the Nation's manpower, resources, and facilities for dealing with any disaster that may occur.

Section 3. DEFI ITIO . As used in this Act the term "Civil Defense" shall mean the preparation for and the carrying~o~~~=-,,",-

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emergency functions, other than functions for which military forces or other Federal agencies are primarily responsible, to prevent, minimize, and repair injury and damage resulting from disasters caused by enemy attack, sabotage, or other hostile action, or by fire, flood, or other causes. These functions include, without limitation, fire-fighting services, police services, medical and health services, rescue, engineering, air raid warning services, communications, defense from radiological, chemical and other special weapons, evacuation of persons from stricken areas, emergency welfare services (civilian war aid), emergency transportation, plant protection, temporary restoration of public utility services, and other functions related to civilian protection, together with all other activities necessary or incidental to the preparation for and carrying out of the foregoing functions.
Section 4. STATE CIVIL DEFE SE AGE CY. (a) There is hereby created within the Department of Public Defense of the State Government, as a division thereof, a State Civil Defense Agency which will be styled and known as the "Civil Defense Division, Department of Public Defense," (hereinafter called the "Civil Defense Division"), with a Director of Civil Defense who shall be the head thereof. The Adjutant General as the executive head of the Department of Public Defense shall be the Director of Civil Defense, (hereinafter called "The Director").
(b) The Governor shall appoint a Deputy Director of Civil Defense to assist the Director in the discharge and performance of his duties and in the event of a temporary vacancy in the office of Director of Civil Defense, or in his absence or disability for any reason, the Deputy shall perform all of the duties required of the Director. He shall hold office during the pleasure of the Governor who shall fix his compensation. The Deputy Director of Civil Defense shall hold no other State office.
(c) The Director may employ such technical, clerical, stenographic and other personnel (and fix their compensation) and may make such expenditures within the appropriation therefor, or from other funds made available to him for purposes of civil defense, as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
(d) The Director and other personnel of the Civil Defense Division shall be provided ,with appropriate office space, furniture, equipment, supplies, stationery and printing in the same manner as provided for persomiel of other State agencies.
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(e) The Director, subject to the direction and control of the Governor, shall be the executive head of the Civil Defense Division and hall be responsible to the Governor for carrying out the program for civil defense of this State. He shall coordinate the activities of all organizations for civil defense within the State, and shall maintain laison with and cooperate with civil defense agencies and organizations of other States and of the Federal Government, and shall have such additional authority, duties, and responsibilities authorized by this Act as may be prescribed by the Governor.
Section 5. CIVIL DEFE SE ADVISORY COUNCIL. (a) There is hereby created a Civil Defense Advisory Council (hereinafter called the "Council"), the members of which shall be appointed by the Governor, and shall hold office during his pleasure. The Council shall, when called upon, advise the Governor and the Director of matters pertaining to civil defense. The Governor shall serve as Chairman of the Council, and the members thereof shall serve without compensation, but may be reimbursed for their reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties.
(b) The Council shall be composed of twenty (20) members exclusive of the Governor as Chairman. Of this membership there . shall be appointed at least one member from each Congressional district. The Council shall meet at such times and places as may be designated by the Governor.
(c) The Governor will designate a secretary who shall keep the minutes and reports of the Council meetings.
(d) All the expenses of the Council shall be paid from appropriations made to the Civil Defense Division, Department of Public Defense.
Section 6. CIVIL DEFE SE POWERS OF THE GOVERNOR. (a) The Governor shall have general direction and control of the Civil Defense D'ivision, and shall be responsible for the carrying out of the provisiong of this Act, and in the event of disaster or emergency beyond local control, may assume dir~t operational control over all or any part of the civil defense functions within this State.
(b) In performing his duties under this Act, the Governor is further authorized and empowered:
(1) To make, amend, and rescind the necessary orders, rules, and regulations to carry out the provisions of this Act with due consideration to the plans of the Federal Government.
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(2) To prepare a comprehensive plan and program for the civil defense of this State, such plan and program to be integrated into and coordinated with the civil defense plans of the Federal Government and of other States to the fullest possible extent, and to coordinate the preparation of plans and programs for civil defense by the political subdivisions of this State, such plans to be integrated into and coordinated with the civil defensp, plan and program of this State to the fullest possible extent.
(3) In accordance with such plan and program for the civil defense of this State, to ascertain the requirements of the State or the political subdivisions thereof for food or clothing and to plan for and procure supplies, medicines, materials, and equipment, and to use and employ from time to time any of the property, services, and resources within the State, for the purposes set forth in this Act; to make surveys of the industries, resources, and facilities within the State as are necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act; to institute training programs and public information programs, and to take all other preparatory steps, including the partial or full mobilization of civil defense organizations in advance of actual disaster, to insure the furnishing of adequately trained and equipped forces of civil defense personnel in time of need.
(4) To coordinate with the President and the heads of the Armed Forces, and the civil defense agency of the United States, and with the office~s and agencies of other States in matters pertaining to the civil defense of the State and Nation and the incidents thereof; and in connection therewith, to take any measures which he may deem proper to carry into effect any request of the President and the appropriate Federal officers and agencies, for any action looking to civil defense, including the directi~n or control of (a) black-outs and practice black-outs, air-raid drills, mobilization of civil defense forces, and other tests and exercises, (b) warnings and signals for drills or attacks and the mechanical devices to be used in connection therewith, (c) the effective screening or extinguishing of all lights and lighting devices and appliances, (d) shutting off water mains, gas mains, electric power connections and the suspension of all other utility services, (e) the conduct of civilians and the movement and cessation of movement of pedestrians and vehicular traffic during, prior, and subsequent to drills or attack, (f) public
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meetings or gatherings; and (g) the evacuation and reception of the civilian population.
(5) To take such action and give such directions to State and local law enforcement officers and agencies as may be reasonable and necessary for the purpose of securing compliance with the provisions of this Act and with the orders, rules, and regulations made pursuant thereto.
(6) To employ such measures and give such directions to the State or local boards of health as may be reasonably necessary for the purpose of securing compliance with the provisions of this Act or with the findings or recommendations of such boards of health by reason of conditions arising from enemy attack or the threat of enemy attack or otherwise.
(7) To utilize the services and facilities of existing officers, and agencies of the State and of the political subdivisions thereof; and all such officers and agencies shall cooperate with and extend their services and facilities to the Governor as he may request.
(8) To establish agencies and offices and to appoint executive, technical, clerical, and other personnel as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act including, with due consideration to the recommendation of the local authorities, fulltime State and regional area directors.
(9) To delegate any authority vested in him under this Act.
(10) On behalf of this State to enter into reciprocal aid agreements or compacts with other States and the Federal Government, either on a State-wide basis or local political subdivision basis or with a neighboring State. Such mutual aid arrangements shall be limited to the furnishing or exchange of food, clothing, medicine, and other supplies; engineering services, emergency housing; police services, ational or State Guards while under the control of the State; health, medical and related services; fire fighting, rescue, transportation, and construction services and equipment; personnel necessary to provide or conduct these services; and such other supplies, equipment, facilities, personnel, and services as may be needed; the reimbursement of costs and expenses for equipment, supplies, personnel, and similar items for mobile support units, fire fighting,
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and police units and health units, and on such terms and conditions as are deemed necessary.
(11) To sponsor and develop mutual aid plans and agreements between the political subdivisions of the State, similar to the mutual aid arrangements with other States referred to above.
Section 7. EMERGE CY POWERS. In the event of actual enemy attack upon the State of Georgia, and against the United States, the Governor may declare that a state of emergency exists, and thereafter the Governor shall have and may exercise for such period as such state of emergency exists or continues, the following additional emergency powers:
(a) To enforce all laws, rules, and regulations relating to civil defense and to assume direct operational control of all civil defense forces and helpers in the State;
(b) To seize, take for temporary use, or condemn property for the protection of the public in accordance with condemnation proceedings as provided by law;
(c) To sell, lend, give, or distribute all or any such property among the inhabitants of the State, to account to the State Treasurer for any funds received for such property;
(d) To perform and exercise such other functions, powers, and duties as may be deemed necessary to promote and secure the safety and protection of the civilian population.
Section 8. MUTUAL AID ARRANGEME TS. (a) The Director of each local organization for civil defense may, in collaboration with other public and private agencies within this State, develop or cause to be developed mutual aid arrangements for reciprocal civil defense aid and assistance in case of disaster too great to be dealt with unassisted. Such arrangements shall be consistent with the State civil defense plan and program, and in time of emergency it shall be the duty of each local organization for civil defense to render assistance in accordance with the provisions of such mutual aid arrangements.
(b) The director of each local organzation for civil defense may, subject to the approval of the Governor, enter into mutual aid arrangements with civil defense agencies or organizations in other States for reciprocal civil defense aid and assistance in case of disaster too great to be dealt with unassisted.
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Section 9. LOCAL ORGANIZATIO FOR CIVIL DEFE SE. (a) Each city of this State having a population of 1,000 or more is hereby authorized and directed to establish a local organzation for civil defense in accordance with the State civil defense plan and program. The Governor, or the Director at the request of the Governor, may also establish local organizations in other cities or counties whenever he determines there exists a need for such local organizations. (The term "political subdivision" for the purpose of this Act shall mean: (1) Cities having a population of over 1,000; (2) Cities having a population of less than 1,000 in which the Governor has established a local organization; and (3) Counties where the Governor has established a local organization for the county and defined its territorial jurisdiction.) The executive officer or governing body of the political subdivision is authorized to nominate a Director who shall be appointed by the Governor and shall have direct responsibility for the organization, administration and operation of such local organization for civil defense, subject to the direction and control of such executive officer or governing body. Each local organization for civil defense shall perform civil-defense functions within the territorial limits of the political subdivision within which it is organized, and, in addition, shall conduct such functions outside of such territorial limits as may be required pursuant to the provisions of this Act.
(b) Each political subdivision shall have the power and authority:
(1) To appropriate and expend funds, make contracts, obtain and distribute equipment, materials, and supplies, for civil-defense purposes; provide for the health and safety of persons and property, including emergency assistance to the victims of any disaster resulting from enemy attack; and to direct and coordinate and developme t of civil-defense plans and programs in accordance with the policies and plans set by the Federal and State civil-defense agencies;
(2) To appoint, employ, remove, or provide, with or without compensation, air-raid wardens, rescue teams, auxiliary fire and police personnel, and other civilian-defense workers;
(3) To establish a primary and one or more secondary control centers to serve as command posts during an emergency;
(4) Subject to the order of the Governor, or the chief executive of the political subdivision, to assign and make available
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for duty, the employees, property, or equipment of the subdivi sion, relating to fire fighting, engineering, rescue, health, medical and related services, police, transportation, construction, and similar items or services for civildefense purposes and within or outside of the physical limits of the subdivision.
Section 10. LOCAL SERVICES. (a) Whenever the employees of any political subdivision are rendering outside aid pursuant to the authority contained in Section 9 hereof such employees shall have the same powers, duties, rights, privileges, and immunities as if they were performing their duties in the political subdivisions in which they are normally employed.
(b) The political subdivision in which any equipment is used pursuant to this section shall be liable for any loss or damage thereto and shall pay any expense incurred in the operation and maintenance thereof. No claim for such loss, damage, or expense shall be allowed unless, within sixty days after the same is sustained or incurred, an itemized notice of such claims under oath is served by mail or otherwise upon the chief fiscal officer of such political subdivision where the equipment was used. The political subdivision which is aided pursuant to this section shall also pay and reimburse the political subdivision furnishing such aid for the compensation paid to employees furnished under this section during the time of the rendition of such aid and shall defray the actual traveling and maintenance expenses of such employees while they are rendering such aid. Such reimbursement shall include any amounts paid or due for compensation due to personal injury or death while such employees are engaged in rendering such aid. The term "employee" as used in this section shall mean, and the provisions of this section shall apply with equal effect to, paid, volunteer, auxiliary employees, and civildefense workers.
(c) The foregoing rights, privileges, and obligations shall also apply in the event such aid is rendered outside the State, provided that payment or reimbursement in such cases shall or may be made by the State or political subdivision receiving such aid pursuant to a reciprocal mutualaid agreement or compact with such State or by the Federal Government.
Section n. MOBILE SUPPORT UNITS. (a) The Governor, or
the Director at the request of the Governor, is authorized to create and establish such number of mobile support units as may be neces sary to reinforce civil-defense organizations in stricken areas and
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with due consideration of the plans of the Federal Government and of other States. He shall appoint a commander for each such unit who shall have primary responsibility for the organization, administration, and operation of such unit. Mobile support units shall be called to duty upon orders of the Governor or the Director and shall perform their functions in any part of the State or, upon the conditions specified in this section, in other States.
(b) Personnel of mobile support units while on duty, whether within or without the State, shall: (1) if they are employees of the State, have the powers, duties, rights, privileges, and immunities and receive the compensation incidental to their employment; (2) if they are employees of a political subdivision of the State, ,and whether serving within or without such political subdivision, have the powers, duties, rights, privileges, and immunities and the compensation incidental to their employment; and (3) if they are not employees of the State or a political subdivision thereof, be en titled to compensation by the State at $5.00 per day and to the same rights and immunities as are provided by law for the employees of this State. All personnel of mobile support units shall, while on duty, be subject to the operational control of the authority in charge of civil defense activities in the area in which they are serving, and shall be reimbursed for all actual and necessary travel and sub sistence expenses.
(c) The State shall reimburse a political subdivision for the compensation paid and actual and necessary travel, subsistence, and maintenance expenses of employees of such political subdivision while serving as members of a mobile support units, and for all payments for death, disability, or injury of such employees incurred in the course of such duty, and for all losses of or damage to supplies and equipment of such political subdivision resulting from the operation of such mobile support unit.
(d) Whenever a mobile support unit of another State shall render aid in this State pursuant to the orders of the Governor of its home State and upon the request of the Governor of this State, this State shall reimburse such other State for the compensation paid and actual and necessary travel, subsistence, and maintenance expenses of the personnel of such mobile support unit while rendering such aid, and for all payments for death, disability, or injury of such personnel incurred in the course of rendering such aid, and for all losses of or damage to supplies and equipment of such other State or
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a political subdivision thereof resulting from the rendering of such aid: Provided, That the laws of such other State contain provisions substantially similar to this section or that provisions to the foregoing effect are embodied in a reciprocal mutual-aid agreement or compact or that the Federal Government has authorized or agreed to make reimbursement for such mutual aid as above provided.
(e) No personnel of mobile support units of this State shall be ordered by the Governor to operate in any other State unless the laws of such other State contain provisions substantially similar to this section or unless the reciprocal mutual aid agreement or compacts include provisions providing for such reimbursement or unless reimbursement will be made by the Federal Government by law or agreement.
Section 12. INVESTIGATIONS AND SURVEYS. For the purpose of making surveys and investigations and obtaining information, except the investigation of subversive activities that are the responsibility of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Governor may compel by subpoena the llttendance of witnesses, and the production of books, papers, records, and documents of individuals, firms, associations, and corporations; and all officers, boards, commissions, and departments of the State, and the political subdivisions thereof, having information with respect thereto, shall cooperate with and assist him in making such investigations and surveys.
Section 13. TRAFFIC CONTROL. The Governor may formulate and execute plans and regulations for the control of traffic in order to provide for the rapid and safe movement of evacuation over public highways and streets of people, troops, or vehicles and materials for national defense or for use in any defense industry, and may coordinate the activities of the departments or agencies of the State and of the political subdivisions thereof concerned directly or indirectly with public highways and streets, in a manner which will best effectuate such plans.
Section 14. LEASE OR LOAN OF STATE PROPERTY, TRANSFER OF STATE PERSONNEL. Notwithstanding any inconsistent provision of law:
(a) Whenever the Governor deems it to be in the public interest, he may-
(1) Authorize any department or agency of the State to lease or lend, on such terms and conditions as he may deem
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necessary to promote the public welfare and protect the interests of the State, any real or personnel property of the State government to the President, the heads of the Armed Forces, or to the civil defense agency of the United States.
(2) Enter into a contract on behalf of the State for the lease or loan to any political subdivision of the State on such terms and conditions as he may deem necessar}' to promote the public welfare and protect the interests of the State, of any real or personal property of the State government, or the temporary transfer or employment of personnel of the State government to or by any political subdivision of the State.
(b) The Mayor, Chief Executive, or Executive Body of each political subdivision of the State may-
(1) Enter into such contract or lease with the State, or accept any such loan, or employ such personnel, and such political subdivision may equip, maintain, utilize, and operate any such property and employ necessary personnel therefor in accordance with the purpose for which such contract is executed.
(2) Do all things and perform any and all acts which he may deem necessary to effectuate the purpose for which such contract was entered into.
Section 15. ORDERS, RULES, AND REGULATIO S. (a) The political subdivisions of the State (as herein defined) and other agencies designated or appointed by the Governor are authorized and empowered to make, amend, and rescind such orders, rules, and regulations as may be necessary for civil defense purposes and to supplement the carrying out of the provisions of this Act, but not inconsistent with any orders, rules, or regulations promulgated by the Governor or by any State agency exercising a power delegated to it by him.
(b) All orders, rules, and regulations promulgated by the Governor, or by any political subdivision or other agency authorized by this Act to make orders, rules, and regulations, shall have the full force and effect of law, when, in the event of issuance by the Governor, or any State agency, a copy thereof is filed in the Office of the Secretary of State, or, if promulgated by a political subdivision of the State or agency thereof, when filed in the office of the clerk of the political subdivision or agency promulgating the same. All existing laws, ordinances, rules and regulations inconsistent with the
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prOVISIOns of this Act, or of any other, rule, or regulation issued under the authority of this Act, shall be suspended during the period of time and to the extent that such conflict exists.
(c) In order to attain uniformity so far as practicable throughout the country in measures taken to aid civil defense, all action taken under this Act and all orders, rules, and regulations made pursuant thereto, shall be taken or made with due consideration to the orders, rules, regulations, actions, recommendations, and requests of Federal authorities relevant thereto and, to the extent permitted by law, shall be consistent with such orders, rules, regulations, actions, recommendations and requests.
Section 16. E FORCEME T. The law enforcing authorities of the State and of the political subdivisions thereof shall enforce the orders, rules, and regulations issued pursuant to this Act.
Section 17. IMMU ITY. (a) either the State nor any political subdivision of the State, nor the agents or representatives of the State or any political subdivision thereof, shall be liable for personal injury or property damage sustained by any person appointed or acting as a volunteer civilian defense worker, or member of any agency engaged in civilian defense activity. The foregoing shall not affect the right of any persons to receive benefits or compensation to which he might otherwise be entitled under the workmen's compensation law or Section 10 hereof or any pension law or any Act of Congress.
(b) Neither the State nor any political subdivision of the State nor, except in cases of wilful misconduct, gross negligence, or bad faith, the employees, agents, or representatives of the State or any political subdivision thereof, nor any volunteer or auxiliary civilian defense worker or member of any agency engaged in any civilian defense activity, complying with or reasonably attempting to comply with this Act, or any order, rule, or regulation promulgated pursuant to the provisions of this Act, or pursuant to any ordinance relating to black-out or other precautionary measures enacted by any political subdivision of the State, shall be liable for the death of or injury to persons, or for damage to property, as a result of any such activity.
Section 18. AUTHORITY TO ACCEPT SERVICES, GIFTS, GRANTS, D LO S. (a) Whenever the Federal Government or any agency or officer thereof shall offer to the State, or through the State to any political subdivision thereof, services, equipment, sup-
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plies, materials, or funds by way of gift, grant, or loan, for purposes of civil defense, the State, acting through the Governor, or such political subdivisions, acting with the consent of the Governor and through its executive officer or governing body, may accept such offer and upon such acceptance the Governor of the State or executive officer or governing body of such political subdivision may authorize any officer of the State or of the political subdivision, as the case may be, to receive such services, equipment, supplies, rna terials, or funds on behalf of the State or such political subdivision, and subject to the terms of the offer and the rules and regulations, if any, of the agency making the offer.

(b) Whenever any person, firm, or corporation shall offer to the State or any political subdivision thereof, services, equipment, supplies, materials, or funds by way of gift, grant, or loan, for purpose of civil defense, the State, acting through the Governor, or such political subdivision, acting through its executive officer or governing body, may accept such offer and upon such acceptance the Governor of the State or executive officer or governing body of such political subdivision may authorize any officer of the State or of the political subdivision, as the case may be, to receive such services, equipment, supplies, materials, or funds on behalf of the State or such political subdivision, and subject to the terms of the offer.

Section 19. CIVIL DEFE SE PERSONNEL. No person shall be employed or associated in any capacity in any civil defense organization established under this Act who advocates a change by force or violence in the constitutional form of the Government of the United States or in this State or the overthrow of any government in the United States by force or violence, or who has been convicted of or is under indictment or information charging any subversive act against the United States. Each person who is appointed to serve in any organization for civil defense shall, before entering upon his duties, take an oath, in writing, before a person authorized to administer oaths in this State, which oath shall be substantially as follows:

"I

, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will

support and defend the Constitution of the United States and

the Cor-stitution of the State of Georgia, against all enemies,

foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance

to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any men-

tal reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and

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faithfully discharge the duties upon which I am about to enter. "And I do further swear (or affirm) that I do not advocate, nor am I a member of any political party or organization that advocates, the overthrow of the Government of the United States or of this State by force or violence; and that during such time as I am a member of the (name of civil defense organization) I will. not advocate nor become a member of any political party or organization that advocates the overthrow of the Government of the United States or of this State by force or violence. Section 20. OTHER PERSONS WHO MAY ADMINISTER OATH. For the purposes of this Act only, the executive heads of local organizations for civil defense, their duly appointed deputies, and assistants, are authorized to administer oaths to civil defense personnel. Section 21. PENALTIES. Any person violating any provision of this Act or any rule, order, or regulation made pursuant to this Act shall, upon conviction thereof, be punishable as for a misdemeanor. Section 22. LIBERALITY OF CONSTRUCTION. This Act shall be construed liberally in order to effectuate its purposes. Section 23. SEVERABILITY. If any provision of this Act or the application thereof to any person or circumstance is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications of the Act which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of this Act are declared to be severable. Section 24. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Act shall become effective immediately upon its passage and approval by the Governor. Section 25. All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act be and the same are hereby repealed.
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CTIfIL DEF.r!SE ACT Al'.lEl'IDED
rIo.. 643 (Hoilse Bill No o 630) From General Acts and Resolutions, Vol. I Georgia Laws 1953 - November-December Session, p. 171

An Act to amend an Act entitled '~n Act relating to the establishment

of a civil defense agency and other organizations for civil defense

within this State; granting certain executive powers with respect

thereto and for other and related purposes.", approved February 19.

1951 (Ga. Laws 1951, P, 224), so as to include common natural

disasters within the policy and purpose of said Act; to provide

that the Civil Defense Director shall be the Disaster Coordinator;

to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Georgia as follows:

Section 1. An Act entitled '~n Act relating to the establishment

Sec. 2. of a civil defense agency and other organizations for civil defense

Act of

1951.

within this State; granting certain executive powers with respect

amended.

thereto and for other and related purposes,", approved February 19.

.

1951 (Ga. Laws 1951, Po 224)~ is hereby amended by inserting in

'J.

Section 2 (a) after the words "resulting from enemy attack, sabotage

",

or other hostile action r " the words "and from common natural disasters," so that said section when so amended shall read as follows:

"Section 2. Policy and purpose. (a) Because of the existing and

increasing possibility of the occurrence of disasters or emergencies

Policy &

Purpose, of unprecedented size and destructiveness resulting from enemy attack,

,

, '~

sabotage or other hostile action, and from common natural disasters,
-~ ,
,"-

and in order to insure that preparations of this State will be adequate to deal with such disasters or emergencies, and generally to provide for the common defense and to protect the public peace, health. and safety, and to preserve the lives and property of the people of the State of Georgia, it is hereby found and declared to be necessary: (1) to create a State Civil Defense Agency, and to authorize the creation of local organizations for civil defense in the political subdivisions of the State; (2) to confer upon the Governor and upon the executive heads or governing bodies of the political subdivisions of'the State the emergency powers provided herein; and (3) to provide for the rendering of mutual aid among the political subdivisions of the State, and with other States. and with the Federal Government with respect to the carrying out of civil defense functions; and (4) to authorize the establishment of such organizations and the taking of such steps as are necessary and appropriate to carry out the provisions of this Act." Section 2. Said Act is further amended by adding onto Section 4 a new subsection. which shall be known as Subsection (f), which shall read as follows: "(f) The Civil Defense Director shall also be the Disaster Coordinator and shall Ac~ for the Governor when requested to do so." Section 3. All laws and parts of laws in conflict wi'h this Act are hereby repealed. Approved December 17, 1953.
1,-
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Published by
DEPARTME T OF DEFENSE
CIVIL DEFE SE DIVISION 410 State Office Building Atlanta, Ga.
MAJOR GENERAL ERNEST VANDIVER, JR.
State Director