Sec. 22.001. DEFINITIONS. In this chapter:

(1) "Disaster" means the occurrence or imminent threat of widespread or severe damage, injury, or loss of life or property that results from a natural or man-made cause, including fire, flood, earthquake, wind, storm, wave action, oil spill or other water contamination, volcanic activity, epidemic, air contamination, blight, drought, infestation, explosion, riot, hostile military or paramilitary action, or other public calamity requiring emergency action, or an energy emergency.

(2) "Emergency evacuation order" means an official statement issued by the governing body of this state or a political subdivision of this state to recommend the evacuation of all or part of the population of an area stricken or threatened with a disaster. The term includes a declaration of local disaster under Section 418.108, Government Code.

(3) "Emergency services personnel" includes fire fighters, police officers and other peace officers, emergency medical technicians, and other individuals who are required, in the course and scope of their employment, to provide services for the benefit of the general public during emergency situations.

(4) "Employee" means an individual who is employed by an employer for compensation.

(5) "Employer" means a person who employs one or more employees.

(6) "Political subdivision" means a county, municipality, special district, or authority of this state.

Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 76, Sec. 9.09(a), eff. Sept. 1, 1995.