A state of emergency is a period during which the government assumes some additional powers. It may impose travel restrictions and curfews. It can take over the distribution of certain utilities like power, water and food. It can ration those supplies and command or commandeer private businesses to aid in those efforts. It can also suspend some civil rights based on the nature of the crisis.
When a governor, mayor or governing body declares a state of emergency it generally indicates that the situation is so dangerous or difficult that the traditional legislative paths might be too slow to effectively respond. This could be due to a natural disaster such as an earthquake or hurricane or a man-made disaster such as a terrorist attack.
During the state of emergency, the government will often request public assistance to help in relief efforts. They will ask for volunteers, money and donations of supplies. In some cases the government will impose curfews, close schools and other public buildings and limit where people can go and gather.
Large and small private businesses should make informed decisions about early closures, delayed openings, cancellations and closures based on current and impending weather conditions, emergency plans and policies of your organization and whether or not travel restrictions are put in place. Your locality will also impose their own restrictions and it is important to contact them for more information. The issuing government agency will rescind the state of emergency when it is no longer needed to provide support to localities or until the threat of the event has passed.