§ 23-2. Definitions.

As used in this chapter, the following terms shall mean and include:

ATTACK

Any attack, actual or imminent, or series of attacks by any enemy or foreign nation upon the United States causing, or which may cause, substantial damage or injury to civilian property or persons in the United States in any manner by sabotage or by the use of bombs, shellfire or nuclear, radiological, chemical, bateriological or biological means or other weapons or processes.

DULY AUTHORIZED DEPUTY

A person authorized to perform all the powers and duties of a public office in the event that the office is vacant or at such times as it lacks administration due to the death, absence or disability of the incumbent officer, where such authorization is provided pursuant to the provisions of any general, special or local law other than this chapter.

EMERGENCY INTERIM SUCCESSOR

A person designated pursuant to this chapter for possible temporary succession to the powers and duties, but not the office, of a City officer in the event that neither such officer nor any duly authorized deputy is able, due to death, absence from the City or other physical, mental or legal reasons, to perform the powers and duties of the office.

PUBLIC DISASTER

A disaster, catastrophe or emergency, actual or imminent, of such unusual proportions or extent that a substantial number of the residents of the City of New Rochelle either sustain injury, become ill, are infected with disease, have their lives imperiled, are killed or die as the result of injury, disease or exposure, or the property of a substantial number of such residents is imperiled, damaged or destroyed, and it is necessary and essential in the interest of public safety, health and welfare that the continuity of the government of the City of New Rochelle is assured in order that it is enabled to function properly and efficiently and to exercise its essential powers in meeting emergency conditions. Such disasters, catastrophes and emergencies may include but shall not be limited to conflagrations, explosions, earthquakes or other convulsions of nature, floods, tidal waves, pestilence, riots, insurrections, storms, prolonged failure of electric power or essential transportation services, or any incident or occurrence which causes or threatens to cause danger to life, health or property from exposure to noxious materials or radiation.