When a civil emergency, or the imminent threat thereof, occurs in the City and results in or threatens to result in the death or injury of persons, or the destruction of or damage to property to such extent as to require, in the judgment of the City Manager, extraordinary measures to protect the public peace, safety and welfare, the City Manager shall forthwith proclaim in writing the existence of a civil emergency. In the absence of the City Manager, such a civil emergency may be declared by his or her designee. (Ord. 08-20 § 2 (Exh. A))