West Virginia Code § 15-5-5

General powers of the Governor
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The Governor shall have general direction and control of the Office of Emergency Services
and shall be responsible for the carrying out of the provisions of this article and, in the event
of disaster beyond local control, may assume direct operational control over all or any part
of the emergency services functions within this state.
In performing his duties under this article, the Governor is authorized to cooperate with the
federal government, other states and private agencies in all matters pertaining to the
provisions of emergency services for this state and the nation.
In performing his duties under this article to effect its policy and purpose, the Governor is
further authorized and empowered:
(1) To make, amend and rescind the necessary orders,a rules and regulations to carry out the
provisions of this article within the limits of the authority conferred upon him herein, with
due consideration of the plans of the federal governlment.
(2) To prepare and implement a comprehensive plan and program for the provision of
emergency services in this state, such plani and program to be integrated into and
coordinated with comparable plans of the federal government and of other states to the
fullest possible extent, and to coordinate the preparation of such plans and programs by the
political subdivisions of this state, such plans to be integrated into and coordinated with the
state plan and program to the fullest possible extent.
(3) In accordance with such state plan and program, to procure supplies and equipment, to
institute training and public information programs, to take all other preparatory steps
including the partial or full mobilization of emergency services organizations in advance of
actual disasteVr and to insure the furnishing of adequately trained and equipped emergency
services personnel in time of need.
(4) To make such studies and surveys of industries, resources and facilities in this state as
may be necessary to ascertain the capabilities of the state for providing emergency services
and to plan for the most efficient emergency use thereof.
(5) On behalf of the state, to enter into mutual aid arrangements with other states and to
coordinate mutual aid plans between political subdivisions of this state.
(6) To delegate the administrative authority vested in him under this article, to provide for
the delegation or transfer or both of the authority vested in the director under the provisions
of this article, to any other person as the Governor in his discretion may direct, and to
provide for the subdelegation of any such authority.
(7) To appoint a disaster recovery team composed of departmental heads, members of the
executive, political subdivision representatives, technicians, members of the public and other
representatives, the composition of which team shall reflect the character and extent of the
disaster itself.
(8) To appoint, in cooperation with local authorities, metropolitan area directors when
practicable.
(9) To cooperate with the president and the heads of the Armed Forces, the civil defense
agency of the United States and other appropriate federal officers and agencies and with the
officers and agencies of other states in matters pertaining to the civil defense of the state
and nation, including the direction and control of (a) blackouts and practice blackouts, air
raid drills, mobilization of emergency services and civil defense forces and other tests and
exercises; (b) warnings and signals for drills or attacks and the muechanical devices to be
used in connection therewith; (c) the effective screening or extinguishing of all lights and
lighting devices and appliances; (d) shutting off water mainst, gas mains, electric power
connections and the suspension of all other utility services; (e) the conduct of civilians and
the movement and cessation of movement of pedestrians and vehicular traffic during, prior
and subsequent to drills or attack; (f) public meetings or gatherings; and (g) the evacuation
and reception of the civilian population.

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