In this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires,

(1) “attack” means the use of weapons, explosives, chemicals, biological or biochemical agents, or other instruments with the potential for major force or impact, with apparent intent to inflict widespread or severe injury to persons or property;

(2) “civil defense” means the protection and defense of the civilian population by the organized efforts of the residents of the state other than those in the military service, and includes without limitation, fire fighting, policing, rescue, air raid warning, security, communications, medical service, vaccination and other actions to protect public health, transportation, evacuation of persons, welfare aid, guard duty, anti-espionage and anti-sabotage service, construction of temporary housing and bomb proof shelters, any other service necessary for the protection of and aid to the public not normally furnished by the military services, and training, preparation, travel, and other activities necessary for the provision of the services described in this paragraph;

(3) “department” means the Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs;

(4) “homeland security” means the detection, prevention, preemption, and deterrence of, protection from, and response to attacks targeted at territory, population, or infrastructure in this state;

(5) “political subdivision” means

(A) a municipality; or

(B) another unit of local government;

(6) “private agency” means a for-profit or nonprofit corporation, unincorporated village, association, or other group or entity operating in the state.