§ 14-1. Authority of the mayor under immediate emergencies.

(a)

Whenever a situation develops within or outside of the city which the mayor determines requires immediate action to preserve the public peace, property, health or safety within the city or to provide for continued operation of municipal government, then the mayor shall have the authority to undertake immediate emergency response measures within the city to preserve the public peace, property, health or safety within the city or to provide for continued operation of the municipal government. Whenever the mayor undertakes immediate emergency response measures because of a disaster or emergency, he shall immediately notify the parish president and advise him of the nature of the disaster or emergency and the emergency response measures being undertaken.

(b)

As used in this chapter, the term "emergency response measures" includes, but is not limited to, any or all of the following:

(1)

Suspending the provisions of any municipal regulatory ordinance prescribing the procedures for conduct of local business or the orders, rules or regulations of any municipal agency, if strict compliance with the provisions of any ordinance, order, rule or regulation would in any way prevent, hinder or delay necessary action in coping with the emergency.

(2)

Utilizing all available resources of the municipality as reasonably necessary to cope with the emergency.

(3)

Transferring the direction, personnel or functions of municipal departments and agencies or units thereof for the purpose of performing or facilitating emergency services.

(4)

Directing and compelling the evacuation of all or part of the population from any stricken or threatened area within the municipality if he deems this action necessary.

(5)

Prescribing routes, modes of transportation, and destinations in connection with evacuation within the municipality.

(6)

Controlling ingress and egress to and from the affected area, the movement of persons within the area, and the occupancy of premises therein.

(7)

Suspending or limiting the sale, dispensing or transportation of alcoholic beverages, firearms, explosives, and combustibles.