48-933. Duty of individuals during disaster emergencies; compensation for loss of property, exceptions; claims procedure.

424 words·~2 min read·/ks/chapter-48/48-933

A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.

(a)Each person within this state shall act and manage the affairs of such person and such person's property in any way which reasonably will assist and not detract from the ability of the state and the public successfully to meet disasters. This obligation includes appropriate personal service and use or restriction on the use of property during a declared state of disaster emergency under K.S.A. 48-924 , and amendments thereto, or a declared state of local disaster emergency under K.S.A. 48-932 , and amendments thereto. This act neither increases nor decreases these obligations, but recognizes their existence under the constitution and statutes and the common law of this state. Compensation for services or for the taking or use of property shall be only to the extent that obligations recognized in this subsection are exceeded in a particular case and then only to the extent that the claimant may not be deemed to have volunteered services or property without compensation.

(b)No personal services may be compensated by the state or any subdivision or agency thereof, except pursuant to statute enacted or ordinance duly adopted therefor.

(c)Compensation for property shall be only if the property was commandeered or otherwise used in coping with a disaster and its use or destruction was ordered by the governor, adjutant general, an official of a county, city or interjurisdictional disaster agency, or some other authorized member of the emergency management forces of this state.

(d)Any person claiming compensation for the use, damage, loss or destruction of property under this act shall file a claim therefor in the district court in the same manner as any other civil action. The court shall determine the validity of such claim in the same manner and under the same conditions prescribed for condemnation actions pursuant to K.S.A. 26-501 et seq., and amendments thereto. Unless the amount of compensation on account of property damaged, lost or destroyed is agreed upon by the claimant and the adjutant general, the amount of compensation shall be calculated in the same manner as compensation due for a taking of property pursuant to the condemnation law of this state.

(e)Nothing in this section applies to or authorizes compensation for the destruction or damaging of standing timber or other property in order to provide a fire break or for the release of waters or the breach of impoundments in order to reduce pressure or other danger from actual or threatened flood.