Columbia Duties, powers and responsibilities of the city manager ordinance (§ 7-2)

(a) The city manager may declare an emergency whenever a disaster is imminent or actually occurs within the city, and the safety and welfare of the inhabitants is jeopardized.

(b) The city manager shall as soon as possible report to the emergency operations center and assume control over the city's emergency response.

(c) Upon declaration of an emergency, the city manager shall have all powers granted to the executive officer of the city by chapter 44, RSMo and shall take all steps necessary to ensure the health, safety and welfare of all persons within the city limits.