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Department Overview
The Department of Emergency Management and Resilience leads the City's preparedness, response, recovery, mitigation, and resilience efforts to natural and human-caused disasters and emergencies. It maintains the City's Emergency Operations Plan and Emergency Operations Center, which is used by City Officials and related agencies to provide a coordinated response to emergencies and disasters.
Mission
The Department of Emergency Management and Resilience safeguards our community through proactive preparedness, effective response, and recovery from all hazards. We are dedicated to fostering a culture of resilience, enhancing public safety, and empowering our residents for future challenges. Our commitment is to mitigate risks and reduce vulnerabilities by coordinating resources, providing education, and building partnerships.
Ready today, prepared for tomorrow.
The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Hybrid Program educates participants and volunteers in disaster response skills for hazards that may occur where they live or work.
Learn more about Cape Coral's CERT Training ProgramSheltering-in-place means staying indoors to remain safe when outside conditions are dangerous, following official guidance and waiting for an all-clear. In contrast, emergency shelters are temporary, last-resort options for those who cannot stay at home or with others; they provide basic safety and necessities but limited comfort and privacy. Residents are encouraged to use other housing options if possible, and if going to a shelter, should bring essential items like medications, documents, supplies, and personal needs for short-term stays.
Learn more about when to shelter-in-place and when to evacuateEmergency preparedness helps Cape Coral residents plan ahead so they can stay safe, protect their property, and recover more quickly when emergencies occur. From hurricanes, flooding, and severe storms to fires, public health events, technological disruptions, and even rare aircraft incidents, our community faces a range of hazards that can develop with little warning.
By understanding local risks, making a family plan, preparing emergency kits, and staying informed through official City channels, residents play an active role in building a more resilient community.
Learn simple steps you can take now to be ready before, during, and after any emergencyCape Coral goes through dry seasons—mainly from November to May—when we don’t get much rain. During this time, water levels in our canals, lakes, and groundwater drop, which can lead to water restrictions and increase the risk of brush fires.
In the summer, our city also faces extreme heat and high humidity. “Feels-like” temperatures often rise above 100°F, which can be dangerous for children, older adults, pets, and anyone without proper cooling.
More information on watering schedules and restrictions can be found here:
Cape Coral is no stranger to hurricanes and tropical storms, especially during hurricane season from June through November. These powerful storms can bring strong winds, heavy rain, flooding, and even tornadoes.
Even smaller storms can knock out power, damage trees, and flood roads—especially in our low-lying coastal areas. It’s important to prepare early and stay informed.
Severe weather in Cape Coral can happen quickly—especially during the warmer months. Sudden thunderstorms, lightning, high winds, hail, or isolated tornadoes can strike with little warning.
These storms can damage homes, down power lines, and flood streets—especially when drainage systems are overwhelmed. Staying alert can help keep you and your loved ones safe.
While Cape Coral is known for its water, our dry season—especially from November through May—can turn empty lots, grassy areas, and preserves into wildfire hazards. Dry brush, low rainfall, and windy days create the perfect conditions for fires to spread quickly.
Most wildfires here are caused by human activity, including discarded cigarettes or outdoor burning. A small spark can become a big problem.
Cape Coral may occasionally face public health or environmental emergencies that affect our air, water, and overall well-being. These events can happen with little warning and may pose risks to people, pets, and the environment.
Staying aware and taking simple precautions can help protect your health and your community.
While rare, aircraft crashes can happen due to our city’s proximity to airports, flight paths, and recreational aviation. These incidents may involve small planes and can occur over land or water.
If a crash does occur, it’s important to stay calm and let emergency responders handle the scene. First responders will secure the area, provide medical care if needed, and begin safety and investigation procedures.
Technological disruptions can affect daily life—whether it’s access to communication, utilities, transportation, or essential services. These disruptions may happen unexpectedly and can vary in size and impact.
Being prepared helps reduce the stress of these situations and keeps you and your family better protected.
Although rare, active assailant incidents can happen anywhere—including schools, workplaces, or public areas. These are unpredictable and fast-moving situations where someone is actively causing harm.
Knowing how to respond can save lives. The national recommendation is to Run, Hide, Fight, depending on the situation:
- Run – If there’s a safe escape route, get away quickly
- Hide – If escape isn’t possible, find a secure place and stay quiet
- Fight – As a last resort, defend yourself with whatever you can