Hamilton City Council has a duty under the Civil Defence Emergency Management Act 2002 to provide Civil Defence and Emergency Management services within its boundaries and ensure that it is able to function to the fullest possible extent, even though this may be at a reduced level, during and after an emergency.

Hamilton City Council has an in-house Emergency Operations Centres that is available to activate in any emergency or incident that requires a coordinated 'one stop shop' venue. Designed to meet the needs of the entire organisation and has the ability to activate at a moments notice with professional staff operating.

Hamilton City Council is part of the Waikato Civil Defence Emergency Management Group which includes ten other local authorities within the Waikato Region. This group provides guidance, hazard information, strategic support and operational advice to Hamilton City Council during, before and after an emergency.