A state of emergency allows the government to take on certain responsibilities and privileges that would otherwise be impossible in normal times, especially during large-scale disasters like floods, wildfires, tsunamis and hurricanes. It allows the state to streamline many administrative procedures, allowing it to act faster than if traditional legislative paths were taken. For example, it can impose travel restrictions, ration supplies like food, water and shelter or commandeer utilities and infrastructure. It may also take on other responsibilities, like creating and distributing aid packages. It can also enact regulations that might infringe on the rights enshrined within sections 4 and 5 of the Constitution, but only to the extent that it is “reasonably justifiable” for the purposes of the specific situation at hand.
There are different types of states of emergency depending on the type of disaster or threat. For instance, a state of emergency can be declared in response to an outbreak of disease or a natural disaster, but could also be used in cases of terrorism or civil unrest, as well as to address environmental emergencies, such as oil spills and contaminated drinking water.
State officials will give instructions to citizens about what they should do to protect themselves from the emergency. It is important to stay up to date on news media and follow the instructions of your local authorities. A state of emergency can impose travel restrictions, so it is best to know whether or not you are expected to be able to get to work, and where your workplace is located in the event that travel restrictions are implemented.