Rhode Island General Laws
Chapter 30-15 - Emergency Management
Section 30-15-3. - Definitions.

§ 30-15-3. Definitions.
As used in this chapter:
(1) “Bioterrorism” means the intentional use of any microorganism, virus, infectious substance or biological product that may be engineered as a result of biotechnology or any naturally occurring or bioengineered component of any such microorganism, virus, infectious substance, or biological product, to cause death, disease, or other biological malfunction in a human, an animal, a plant or other living organism;
(2) “Disaster” means occurrence or imminent threat of widespread or severe damage, injury, or loss of life or property resulting from any natural or man-made cause, including, but not limited to:
(i) Fire;
(ii) Flood;
(iii) Earthquake;
(iv) Wind, storm, wave action, oil spill, or other water contamination requiring emergency action to avert danger or damage;
(v) Volcanic activity;
(vi) Epidemic;
(vii) Air contamination;
(viii) Blight;
(ix) Drought;
(x) Infestation;
(xi) Explosion;
(xii) Riots;
(xiii) Hostile military or paramilitary action;
(xiv) Endangerment of the health, safety, or resources of the people of the state;
(xv) Acts of bioterrorism;
(3) “Political subdivision” means any city or town in Rhode Island; and
(4) “Unorganized militia” means all able-bodied persons between the ages of sixteen (16) and fifty (50) years.
History of Section.P.L. 1973, ch. 67, § 2; P.L. 1974, ch. 146, § 1; P.L. 2000, ch. 170, § 2; P.L. 2003, ch. 185, § 4; P.L. 2003, ch. 189, § 4.