§ 501.2 - Emergency.

(a) In cases of sudden and unexpected invasion or civil disturbance, including civil disturbances incident to earthquake, fire, flood, or other public calamity endangering life or Federal property or disrupting Federal functions or the normal processes of Government, or other equivalent emergency so imminent as to make it dangerous to await instructions from the Department of the Army requested through the speediest means of communications available, an officer of the Active Army in command of troops may take such action, before the receipt of instructions, as the circumstances of the case reasonably justify. However, in view of the availability of rapid communications capabilities, it is unlikely that action under this authority would be justified without prior Department of the Army approval while communications facilities are operating. Such action, without prior authorization, of necessity may be prompt and vigorous, but should be designed for the preservation of law and order and the protection of life and property until such time as instructions from higher authority have been received, rather than as an assumption of functions normally performed by the civil authorities.

(b) Emergency firefighting assistance may be provided pursuant to agreements with local authorities; emergency explosive ordnance disposal service may be provided in accordance with paragraph 18, AR 75-15.