(a) The governor by executive order may establish an emergency management council to advise and assist the governor in all matters relating to disaster mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery.
(b) The emergency management council is composed of representatives of state agencies, boards, commissions, and organized volunteer groups designated by the head of each entity. At least once each biennium, the governor shall review the composition of the council and, if necessary, update or expand the participating entities.
(c) The emergency management council shall make recommendations to the Department of Public Safety as to which private emergency organizations, such as the American National Red Cross, the Salvation Army, Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service, and other similar organizations with the capability to supplement the state’s resources in disaster situations, should be authorized to operate certain vehicles as designated emergency vehicles in the case of a disaster.
(d) The emergency management council shall assist the division in identifying, mobilizing, and deploying state resources to respond to major emergencies and disasters throughout the state.