Emergency response is when you follow your preparedness plan during an emergency. This phase begins the moment you are alerted that a disaster is coming. Usually, this phase ends as soon as emergency officials broadcast an “all clear” message. Some health emergencies, such as a pandemic, are an exception. The response can last for weeks, months, or even years.
Types of Responses
Each emergency or disaster is unique, and your response will depend on the type and severity of the event. Early childhood programs need to prepare for evacuation, shelter-in-place, lockdown and stay safe, and infectious disease procedures. Emergencies and disasters need different types of responses. Use what you learned from practicing your plan.
Including children in your emergency response requires special planning. Being prepared is key to responding fast and well. The practice drills in your disaster preparedness plan help you get ready for a real disaster. Use the Drill Log and Guide to Tabletop Exercises to help your team prepare.
Work with your emergency preparedness task force to decide how to:
- Evacuate and relocate: Evacuation involves leaving your building and gathering in a predetermined spot outside until it is safe to re-enter the building. Relocation involves moving all staff and children to an off-site location for the duration of the emergency.
- Shelter in place: This may mean closing doors, windows, and vents and sheltering in a place that is protected from outside hazards.
- Follow lockdown and stay safe procedures: This may mean locking and blocking the doors, keeping quiet, and staying out of sight when an intruder or active shooter is on your property or tries to enter your facility.
- Follow infectious disease procedures: These are procedures announced by health authorities during public health emergencies to stop the spread of an infectious disease. These emergencies can affect many people for a long time. You may need more precautions than your everyday infection control strategies to reduce the risk of spreading an infectious disease during a disease outbreak, epidemic, or pandemic.
Responses by Emergency
Use this chart to find which type of emergency response to use based on the type of emergency.
| Evacuation and Relocation | Shelter in Place | Lockdown and Stay Safe | Infectious Disease Procedures |
|---|---|---|---|
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Keep Mental Health in Mind
Read Responding to Disasters with Mental Health in Mind for tips on how to support children and adults’ mental health during an emergency.
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Resource Type: Article
National Centers: Health, Behavioral Health, and Safety
Audience: Directors and Managers
Last Updated: June 13, 2025