Q&A on the News

Q: What does it mean when the governor declares a state of emergency? What are the implications of that? — Bill Barney, Atlanta

A: Georgia's governor can declare a state of emergency "when the threat of an actual disaster or emergency in any part of the state is of sufficient severity and magnitude to activate the Georgia Emergency Operations Plan (GEOP) and to provide state resources and personnel to assist local governments and relief organizations," Crystal Paulk-Buchanan, a spokeswoman with the Georgia Emergency Management Agency, told Q&A on the News in an email. Declaring a state of emergency allows the governor to use certain powers, which include activating the Georgia National Guard, suspending certain regulations and ordering evacuations. A state of emergency also allows state personnel and equipment to be used on city-owned or county-owned property, Paulk-Buchanan wrote. For example, it allows state work crews to clear debris from a city street or county road. Georgia Code 38-3-51 states: "The state of emergency or disaster shall continue until the governor finds that the threat or danger has passed or the emergency or disaster has been dealt with, to the extent that emergency or disaster conditions no longer exist, and terminates the state of emergency or disaster. No state of emergency or disaster may continue for longer than 30 days unless renewed by the governor." Gov. Nathan Deal declared a state of emergency during winter storms on Jan. 28 and Feb. 10.

Andy Johnston wrote this column. Do you have a question about the news? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or email q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).