A state of local disaster emergency may be declared in the event that a disaster has occurred or that the threat of a disaster is imminent. A declaration may be made by the Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners, or in the event of the absence of the Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners, a majority of the remaining members may declare a state of local disaster emergency. If it appears that local resources are not adequate to deal with the emergency, state assistance may be requested through the Kansas Division of Emergency Management. Depending upon the damage, the governor may issue a declaration of a State of Disaster Emergency.