At Cal Poly, we are committed to ensuring the safety and preparedness of our campus community in the face of disasters. The Department of Emergency Management (DEM) works to prepare for, respond to, and recover from a wide range of natural and human-caused disasters that could impact our campus. From wildfires and earthquakes to severe weather events, our mission is to build a resilient and informed community.

The Emergency Management profession focuses on reducing risks, enhancing readiness, and ensuring an effective response and recovery when disaster strikes. By planning ahead and working together, we aim to protect lives, minimize disruption, and ensure that Cal Poly remains a safe and thriving environment for everyone.

What We Do

• Plan and Prepare: We create and maintain disaster response plans, conduct training, and organize exercises to ensure everyone knows how to stay safe during a disaster.
• Coordinate Response: During a disaster, our Emergency Operations Center (EOC) serves as the hub for decision-making and coordination, ensuring that critical needs are met efficiently.
• Support Recovery: After the immediate danger has passed, we focus on restoring campus operations and supporting the community in returning to normal.
• Share Information: Through Poly Alert, our mass notification system, we provide timely updates about disaster situations and safety measures.

We collaborate closely with local, state, and federal partners to enhance our disaster readiness and response capabilities. Preparing for disasters is a shared responsibility, and we encourage students and their families to stay informed and take an active role in building a culture of preparedness.