Emergency conditions are usually dangerous or life-threatening situations, which are handled as a top priority in order to stop or prevent serious injury to people, property, or the environment. There are three mechanisms used to respond to emergencies:

• Issue an Emergency Order, in which an administrative emergency order is issued to stop a dangerous or health-threatening violation(s) and immediately correct the conditions which pose the danger or threat. This Order is usually issued both verbally, and in writing, as soon as possible after the discovery of the emergency condition.
• Seek emergency injunctive relief from the courts (through the Office of the Miami-Dade County Attorney) to require the violator, or other responsible parties, to stop the violation and correct the emergency condition.
• Use County resources to rectify the emergency condition(s) and seek reimbursement of expended funds from the violator, or other responsible parties, at a later date. This option is used primarily when a responsible party is not readily identifiable or if the threat to the public is so great that any delay may result in injury or death.