26-306. Powers and duties of the director of emergency management

A. The director, subject to the approval of the adjutant general, shall:

1. Be the administrative head of the division.

2. Be the state director for emergency management.

3. Make rules necessary for the operation of the division.

4. Develop and test plans for meeting any condition constituting a state of emergency or state of war emergency, except those emergency plans specifically assigned by the governor to other state agencies. Such plans shall provide for the effective mobilization and management of personnel and equipment of the state.

5. During a state of war emergency, coordinate the emergency activities of all state agencies except the national guard.

6. During a state of emergency or a local emergency, coordinate the emergency activities of all state agencies and the national guard.

7. Coordinate the use of state personnel, equipment, services and facilities, including communication services, if requested by political subdivisions in support of emergency management activities.

8. Coordinate the use of personnel, equipment, services and facilities, including communication services, of one or more political subdivisions in support of any other political subdivision in meeting emergency needs, including search or rescue operations, on the request of the using political subdivision.

9. Develop, test and maintain a plan pursuant to section 26-305.01 for response by agencies of this state and its political subdivisions to an accident at a commercial nuclear generating station.

10. Every two years, submit a recommendation to the legislature in connection with the assessment prescribed by section 26-306.01 with supporting documentation and information.

11. Collaborate with the state forester in presentations to legislative committees on issues associated with forest management, wildfire prevention and suppression and wildfire emergency response and management as provided by section 37-1302, subsection B.

12. Develop, implement and maintain a state hazardous materials emergency response and recovery plan as part of the hazardous materials emergency management program pursuant to section 49-123.

13. Coordinate the development, implementation and maintenance of standardized curricula for hazardous materials training and education.

B. The director, subject to the approval of the adjutant general, may:

1. Propose, develop, negotiate and consummate contractual arrangements with the federal government, state agencies and political subdivisions for technical, administrative and financial support from the federal, state and local government in connection with the emergency management activities of the state.

2. Represent the state at conferences in the development and promotion of the emergency management capability of the state.

3. Establish a disaster prevention council to plan for disaster prevention. The council shall consist of the members of the state emergency council and other members as determined by the director. The disaster prevention council shall coordinate the disaster prevention expertise of representatives of federal, state and local business and industry and promote partnerships to substantially reduce property loss from natural and technological disasters.