State of Emergency What is a Governor’s Declaration of
Emergency? Some emergencies and disasters are sudden and
unexpected, but many (such as severe weather) are known and
predicted. When an imminent threat might be severe enough to
require state assistance to local governments, then discussions
begin at the state level about the need for a declaration of
emergency. A Governor’s declaration allows state agencies to
bypass some time-consuming paperwork and procedures in the
interest of quickly getting assistance to local governments, and
in turn to residents of the Commonwealth. - The Governor’s
declaration does not designate specific localities. It affects
state agencies that have an active role in disaster response. -
A Governor’s declaration may be given verbally, with the written
Executive Order to follow a few days later. - Usually, the
declaration is in effect for up to a year, to cover residual
costs stemming from the emergency. A Governor’s declaration
helps state agencies assist local governments in a