2023 West Virginia Code › Chapter 15. Public Safety › Article 5. Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management › §15-5-5. General Powers of the Governor

The Governor shall have general direction and control of the Office of Emergency Services and shall be responsible for the carrying out of the provisions of this article and, in the event of disaster beyond local control, may assume direct operational control over all or any part of the emergency services functions within this state.
In performing his duties under this article, the Governor is authorized to cooperate with the federal government, other states and private agencies in all matters pertaining to the provisions of emergency services for this state and the nation.
In performing his duties under this article to effect its policy and purpose, the Governor is further authorized and empowered:
(1) To make, amend and rescind the necessary orders, rules and regulations to carry out the provisions of this article within the limits of the authority conferred upon him herein, with due consideration of the plans of the federal government.
(2) To prepare and implement a comprehensive plan and program for the provision of emergency services in this state, such plan and program to be integrated into and coordinated with comparable plans of the federal government and of other states to the fullest possible extent, and to coordinate the preparation of such plans and programs by the political subdivisions of this state, such plans to be integrated into and coordinated with the state plan and program to the fullest possible extent.
(3) In accordance with such state plan and program, to procure supplies and equipment, to institute training and public information programs, to take all other preparatory steps including the partial or full mobilization of emergency services organizations in advance of actual disaster and to insure the furnishing of adequately trained and equipped emergency services personnel in time of need.
(4) To make such studies and surveys of industries, resources and facilities in this state as may be necessary to ascertain the capabilities of the state for providing emergency services and to plan for the most efficient emergency use thereof.
(5) On behalf of the state, to enter into mutual aid arrangements with other states and to coordinate mutual aid plans between political subdivisions of this state.
(6) To delegate the administrative authority vested in him under this article, to provide for the delegation or transfer or both of the authority vested in the director under the provisions of this article, to any other person as the Governor in his discretion may direct, and to provide for the subdelegation of any such authority.
(7) To appoint a disaster recovery team composed of departmental heads, members of the executive, political subdivision representatives, technicians, members of the public and other representatives, the composition of which team shall reflect the character and extent of the disaster itself.
(8) To appoint, in cooperation with local authorities, metropolitan area directors when practicable.
(9) To cooperate with the president and the heads of the Armed Forces, the civil defense agency of the United States and other appropriate federal officers and agencies and with the officers and agencies of other states in matters pertaining to the civil defense of the state and nation, including the direction and control of (a) blackouts and practice blackouts, air raid drills, mobilization of emergency services and civil defense forces and other tests and exercises; (b) warnings and signals for drills or attacks and the mechanical devices to be used in connection therewith; (c) the effective screening or extinguishing of all lights and lighting devices and appliances; (d) shutting off water mains, gas mains, electric power connections and the suspension of all other utility services; (e) the conduct of civilians and the movement and cessation of movement of pedestrians and vehicular traffic during, prior and subsequent to drills or attack; (f) public meetings or gatherings; and (g) the evacuation and reception of the civilian population.