Emergency Response

A Emergency Response policy explains when employees who volunteer as emergency responders can take job-protected time off (typically unpaid) to respond to covered emergency calls or declared emergencies, what notice and documentation you can require, and the anti-retaliation protections that apply under state and local rules.

How to Write an Emergency Response Policy

• Start with "why" and introduce the concept.
• Define the types of emergency response activities the policy covers.
• State who the policy covers and any eligibility limits tied to volunteer status or covered responder roles.
• Explain what time off is available and whether it is paid or unpaid.
• Address whether employees may use available paid time off to cover unpaid time off.
• Set expectations for notice and ongoing communication about absences related to emergency response.
• Describe the documentation you may require to confirm emergency response participation.
• Include job protection and a clear non-discrimination and non-retaliation commitment for requesting or taking leave.
• Add any optional add-ons your jurisdictions require or you choose to offer, such as coverage for declared emergencies, training leave, reinstatement language, or critical incident leave.
• Close with where employees can go with questions or to submit required information.

For advice on writing an Emergency Response policy in a specific jurisdiction, see below.