Maryland Public Safety Section 14-301

      (a)      In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.

      (b)      "Energy emergency" means a situation in which the health, safety, or welfare of the public is threatened by an actual or impending acute shortage in energy resources.

      (c)      "Public emergency" means:

            (1)      a situation in which three or more individuals are at the same time and in the same place engaged in tumultuous conduct that leads to the commission of unlawful acts that disturb the public peace or cause the unlawful destruction or damage of public or private property;

            (2)      a crisis, disaster, riot, or catastrophe; or

            (3)      an energy emergency.