In time of public disaster or emergency, the Governor may declare a limited emergency in the affected area and designate the commander of the National Guard units called to duty to coordinate and direct the activities of all persons, organizations and agencies participating in the evacuation, safeguarding, relief and rehabilitation of the affected area, delegating to such commander such authority as he deems necessary and expedient in the circumstances. The commander so designated by the Governor shall act for and on behalf of the Governor and take all actions in his name. Nothing contained in this section shall be construed to limit or deny the authority of the Governor to declare martial law.
West Virginia Legal Code