(a) Declaration of public emergency: The Board of Selectmen may, upon majority vote, declare a state of public emergency which threatens life, property, or the public health or welfare.

(b) Condemnation, eminent domain: In the event of a declared public emergency which threatens life, property, the public health or welfare, duly declared by unanimous Board of Selectmen action at a duly warned meeting, the Board of Selectmen may exercise powers of eminent domain and condemnation and take real property or personal property, after notice to the owner and the fixing of fair compensation. An aggrieved party may appeal to Superior Court.

(c) Civil preparedness: The Town Manager shall be the designated civil preparedness chairman and shall be duty bound to exercise the powers afforded by statute, and any powers and functions outlined by the Board of Selectmen in a declared emergency.