2 Use of civil defence resources in emergencies or disasters.
(1) Where an emergency or disaster involving destruction of or danger to life or property occurs or is imminent or there is reasonable ground for apprehending such an emergency or disaster, and a local authority are of opinion that it is likely to affect the whole or part of their area or all or some of its inhabitants, the authority may use any of their civil defence resources in taking action (either alone or jointly with any other person or body and either in their area or elsewhere in or outside the United Kingdom) which is calculated to avert, alleviate or eradicate in their area or among its inhabitants the effects or potential effects of the event, notwithstanding that the event is unconnected with any form of hostile attack by a foreign power.
(2) A local authority whose civil defence functions include the function of making, keeping under review and revising plans for any matter may perform that function so as to allow for the possible occurrence of such an emergency or disaster and facilitate the use of all or any of their civil defence resources in connection with any such emergency or disaster that may occur or become imminent or which there may be reasonable ground for apprehending.
(3) References in the Civil Defence Act 1948 to functions conferred on a local authority under section 2 of that Act do not include any power conferred on them by subsection (1) or (2) above; but the fact that expenses incurred by a local authority in or in connection with the discharge of functions conferred on them under section 2 of that Act are incurred (whether in the repair or replacement of damaged or expended equipment or otherwise) in circumstances resulting from the exercise of any such power shall not prevent those expenses from qualifying for grant under under section 3 or 3A of that Act.
Words in s. 2(3) substituted (26.2.2002 with effect as mentioned in s. 2(2) of the amending Act) by 2002 c. 5, ss. 1(2), 2(2)
(4) There shall be paid out of money provided by Parliament any increase attributable to this section in the sums payable out of money so provided under any other Act.

Act repealed (14.11.2005) by Civil Contingencies Act 2004 (c. 36), ss. 32, 34(1), Sch. 2 para. 8, Sch. 3; S.I. 2005/2040, art. 3(n)(q)(r)