Adoption of 2024 Arizona Emergency Response and Recovery Plan (Rescinding and Replacing Executive Order 2017-06)

Executive Order Executive Order 2024-02

March 25, 2024

WHEREAS, A.R.S. §§ 26-301 through 26-321 outline certain responsibilities and authorities for disaster preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation; and

WHEREAS, in accordance with A.R.S. § 26-305, there is established in the Department of Emergency and Military Affairs (DEMA), the Division of Emergency Management, which is administered by the Department under the authority of the Adjutant General, subject to powers vested in the Governor as provided by law; and

WHEREAS, in accordance with the responsibilities outlined in A.R.S. § 26-306, the Director of the Arizona Division of Emergency Management has reviewed the State of Arizona Emergency Response and Recovery Plan dated October 2017 (the “2017 Plan”) and has recommended that a revised 2024 State of Arizona Emergency Response and Recovery Plan (the “2024 Plan”) be adopted by the Governor, and

WHEREAS, State agencies play a vital role in emergency and disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation activities; and

WHEREAS, significant organizational and procedural changes have occurred in numerous federal, state, and local governments to prevent and prepare for potential domestic or international acts of terrorism within Arizona.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Katie Hobbs, Governor of the State of Arizona, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the State of Arizona, do hereby order the adoption of and adherence to the 2024 Plan, and direct the following:The Adjutant General, or their delegated representative, shall update the 2024 Plan periodically and test the quality of the 2024 Plan through exercises

  1. The Adjutant General, or their delegated representative, shall update the 2024 Plan periodically and test the quality of the 2024 Plan through exercises

    1. The 2024 Plan shall be implemented upon the activation of the Arizona State Emergency Operations Center (“SEOC”).
    2. The 2024 Plan shall prescribe the rules and regulations for emergency and disaster operations anywhere in the State of Arizona.
    3. Each State agency shall prepare procedures to implement the various emergency functions in the 2024 Plan.
    4. Each State agency shall participate in an annual review to, as necessary, update the 2024 Plan and agency procedures.
  2. Pursuant to A.R.S. § 26-302, the Adjutant General is authorized to activate and deactivate the SEOC and to exercise overall direction and control of state emergency or disaster operations. The Adjutant General may further delegate the authority in this paragraph, in whole or in part, to an appropriate individual or individuals within DEMA.
    1. The Adjutant General or delegated representative shall maintain at all times the necessary materials, including contact lists for all possible responders in the SEOC to effectively respond to statewide emergency and disaster situations, including, without limitation, terrorist incidents.
    2. The Adjutant General or delegated representative shall keep records of each disaster response as it occurs, tracking missions assigned and completed, for use during the response effort and review afterward.
    3. The Adjutant General or delegated representative shall formally critique the response coordination efforts and produce after-action reports that identify areas needing improvement during a response effort.
    4. The Adjutant General or delegated representative shall direct the activation, employment, direction and control of the Arizona National Guard’s Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Team (WMD-CST).
  3. Each State agency shall appoint an emergency coordinator and an alternate to act on behalf of the agency during an emergency or disaster and shall furnish the name and contact telephone numbers to the Director of the Arizona Division of Emergency Management. Each State agency shall:
    1. staff the SEOC with personnel during training exercises relevant to the agency and during emergencies and disasters as requested by the Director of the Arizona Division of Emergency Management;
    2. maintain and operate a 24-hour response capability when the 2024 Plan is activated; and
    3. maintain logs, records, and reporting systems required by state and federal disaster assistance laws, rules, and regulations.
  4. All State agencies not assigned a primary or secondary role in the 2024 Plan shall carry out whatever duties or services may be specified or directed by the Governor.
  5. The 2024 Plan supersedes the 2017 Plan and any subsequent revisions.
  6. Executive Order 2017-06 (October 25, 2017) is hereby rescinded and replaced.

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