The main tasks of Department 37.03.03 include planning and preparing measures to protect the population in the event of a disaster or major incident. In the event of natural disasters, such as extreme weather conditions or flooding, accidents involving hazardous substances or accidents at nuclear power plants, train accidents or other situations in which many people are affected or infrastructure is permanently damaged, coordinated cooperation is required. The aid organizations involved in hazard prevention work hand in hand with external authorities and agencies.
The planning and preparatory measures include the provision of the necessary disaster control units, support in the procurement of vehicles and materials, and training and exercises. One of the main tasks is to draw up and update operational and emergency plans for possible hazardous situations, as only forward planning in advance can ensure that rapid and effective assistance can be provided in an emergency. This also includes supra-local cooperation with neighboring municipalities and the German Armed Forces in the event that emergency services from the city of Mainz are insufficient to combat damage or provide the necessary assistance.

Maintaining a siren network to warn the population and providing information on self-protection measures are further essential tasks. This also applies to the topic of event safety. Department 37.03.03 creates and reviews all safety concepts that must be in place for major events in Mainz and also determines the number of medical and paramedical personnel required for each individual event.

Several other tasks within the framework of security laws, e.g., precautions for emergency drinking water supplies or ensuring food and telecommunications, round off the diverse range of tasks performed by the Civil Protection Department.