§ 12-1. Definitions.

As used in this chapter, the following terms shall mean and include:

ATTACK

Any attack, actual or imminent, or series of attacks by an enemy or foreign nation upon the United States, causing or which may cause substantial damage or injury to civilian property or persons in the United States in any manner by sabotage or by the use of bombs, shellfire or nuclear, radiological, chemical, bacteriological or biological means or other weapons or processes.

DULY AUTHORIZED DEPUTY

A person authorized to perform all the powers and duties of a public office in the event that the office is vacant or at such times as it lacks administration due to the death, absence or disability of the incumbent officer, where such authorization is provided pursuant to the provisions of any general or special law other than the sections of law pursuant to which this chapter is adopted.

EMERGENCY INTERIM SUCCESSOR

A person designated pursuant to this chapter for possible temporary succession to the powers and duties, but not the office, of a Village officer in the event that neither such officer nor any duly authorized deputy is able, due to death, absence from the Village or other physical, mental or legal reasons to perform the powers and duties of the office.

PUBLIC DISASTER

A disaster, catastrophe or emergency, actual or imminent, of such unusual proportions or extent that:

A. 

A substantial number of the residents of the Village of Highland Falls either sustain injury, become ill, are infected with disease, have their lives imperiled, are killed or die as the result of injury, disease or exposure, or the property of a substantial number of such residents is imperiled, damaged or destroyed.

B. 

It is necessary and essential in the interest of public safety, health and welfare that the continuity of the government of the Village of Highland Falls be assured in order that it be enabled to function properly and efficiently and to exercise its essential powers in meeting emergency conditions. Such disasters, catastrophes and emergencies may include, but shall not be limited to, conflagrations, explosions, earthquakes or other convulsions of nature, floods, tidal waves, pestilence, riots, insurrections, storms, prolonged failure of electric power or essential transportation services, or any incident or occurrence which causes or threatens to cause danger to life, health or property from exposure to noxious materials or radiation.