The County Council this week passed a bill that gives the county executive new powers in the event of a natural catastrophe, terrorist attack or other emergency. Among other things, the executive may issue orders that:

* Control traffic, including public and private transportation;

* control building and vehicle occupancy in emergency zones;

* control individual and vehicle movement in emergency zones;

* establish curfews;

* control the sale, use and transporting of alcoholic beverages;

* control the possession, sale, carrying and use of firearms, weapons and ammunition;

* control the storage, use and transportation of explosives and flammable materials.