6Meaning of emergency

1. In this Act, an emergency is a situation that—

2. is the result of any happening, whether natural or otherwise; and
3. causes or may cause either or both of the following:
   1. the loss of human life or injury, illness, or distress to people; or
   2. a threat, in any way, to the safety of the public or property; and
4. requires a significant and co-ordinated response under this Act (for example, because emergency services are unable to adequately address it).

5. In this section, happening includes, without limitation, the following:

6. an explosion:
7. volcanic activity:
8. an earthquake or land movement:
9. a tsunami or flood:
10. a storm, tornado, or cyclone:
11. a serious fire:
12. a leakage or spillage of any dangerous gas or substance:
13. technological failure:
14. an infestation, a plague, or an epidemic:
15. a failure of, or disruption to, an emergency service or essential infrastructure:
16. an actual or imminent attack or warlike act.