Choosing Response Actions

Depending on the situation, getting people to safety may be accomplished in different ways. Response actions commonly suggested by the emergency management community include: Evacuation: Leaving the building if doing so would be safer than remaining inside. Evacuations may be full or partial (e.g., a part of the building away from the action). Reverse evacuation: Moving people into the facility from an unprotected outside location. Preventive lockdown: A limited lockdown for use where there is no indication of imminent danger but a heightened level of security may prevent a situation from escalating. Emergency lockdown: Moving to portions of the building that can be secured, locking doors, and remaining out of sight. Various degrees of lockdown are possible. Seeking shelter: Hiding behind protective barriers, especially when caught in open spaces where evacuation and lockdown are not possible. Room clear: Moving people to a safer location within the facility in a prompt and organized manner.