What is a state of alarm? »Its definition and meaning

The state of alarm, also known as a state of alert or shock, is the decree made by a state in the event of conflictive circumstances of internal order (public disorder, attacks against authority, disobedience, terrorism crimes, etc.) or external (wars) that negatively affect a nation and its citizens. Only under exceptional circumstances should the state of shock be decreed, considering the facts that lead to this serious decision.

What is an alarm state

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A state of alarm is a decree that is taken in a country in the event of a situation that alters and seriously endangers the institutional stability and security of a nation, as well as the institutions and citizens in general that live in said country. This should be decreed for a period of no more than ninety days and may be extended for up to ninety more days.

The etymology of the word "state" comes from the Latin status, which means "to be standing"; and the meaning of the word "alarm" comes from the cry "To the gun!", which occurred when there was a threat and they had to fight it. In this sense, it would mean facing or standing firm to the threat. In these cases, civil protection must be guaranteed during the state of alarm.

In some countries this concept is applied, since this mechanism does not exist in all nations. The state of alarm in Spain and the state of alarm in Venezuela are applied. Similarly, it exists in countries like Guatemala and Honduras. The measures implemented will be subject to the Constitution of the nation that applies this mechanism.

This mechanism was captured on the big screen with the movie State of alarm 1965. On the other hand, this term can also refer to the state of the human being's mind in which he cannot fall asleep, also known as wakefulness.

The powers that the Executive obtains are: to make decrees that have to do only and exclusively with the situation or the conflict for which the measure was taken. They must bear the signature of the President, and may invalidate the laws that contradict it. These decrees will cease to be in force when normality is declared in the nation. This measure could restrict some constitutional guarantees.

Characteristics of the alarm state

Causes

Some sanitary deficiency, such as the collapse of the system or an epidemic.

Disasters, such as natural disasters (large forest fires, earthquakes, floods).

The paralysis of public services or their deficiency in their operation.

The shortage of basic necessities, such as food and medicine.

Public calamities, the origin of which can be natural (such as the examples described above) or anthropogenic.

Consequences

Among the rights suspended within this decree is the freedom of vehicular traffic and of people.

Among the limited rights to state of alarm, there is the restriction on the freedom of trade.

In some cases, freedom of expression is restricted to prevent the spread of false rumors.

The right to property may also suffer from limitations (one case may be about citizens who acquire a lot of material to cover their needs during the emergency).

Regular activities such as school and work may be suspended.

Alarm states by country

• The state of alarm in Spain is the least serious state of exception that exists in that country. The causes that lead to its implementation are health crises, natural disasters, shortages and the paralysis of some service to the population. Another thing that the Spanish Constitution establishes a state of alarm is that it can be applied to the entire national territory or limited to a locality in case the ruler of that region so requests.
• The state of alarm in Venezuela is executed by the government. Similar to the previous case, the causes that can activate it are health crises and situations that alter the welfare and public order, such as public calamities.
• In Guatemala, this measure is contemplated in the Public Order Law of that country. It is applied in the event of an invasion of its territory, an event that disturbs the peace, public calamities or situations that threaten national security.
• In Italy, this decree is also contemplated in its statutes in the event of sanitary situations, disturbances of public order or catastrophes.
• In other countries such as Colombia or Argentina, there is talk of a "state of emergency", whose characteristics are equivalent to the state of alarm.

Examples of alarm states

• In December 2010, this measure was decreed in Spain due to the paralysis of air traffic.
• Due to the COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic; Italy, Spain, Venezuela, Argentina, Colombia, among other countries, have adopted states of alarm, emergency or exception to such a situation.
• In Venezuela, last 2019 the National Assembly of that country declared a state of alarm unanimously after the total interruption of electricity at the national level.

Frequently Asked Questions about Alarm Status

What is a state of national alarm?

It is a state of exception executed when a situation arises that involves a collective risk, which entails restrictions.

What is to declare a state of alarm?

It is to carry out the mechanism of restrictions framed in the constitutional rights of the country where it is applied.

What is the state of alarm in Mexico?

In Mexico the so-called state of emergency is applied, which consists of the limitation of non-essential activities due to force majeure.

What are the rights during a state of alarm?

Fundamental rights are not suspended, so they may have food available for purchase, the right to communication and the inviolability of the home. The right to life is also guaranteed, torture is prohibited and human rights are guaranteed.

What is a state of emotional alarm?

It refers to the mental state where the individual activates defensive feelings, such as fear.