The aim of emergency response is to provide immediate assistance to maintain life, improve health and support the morale of the affected population. Such assistance may range from providing specific but limited aid, such as assisting refugees with transport, temporary shelter, and food, to establishing semi-permanent settlement in camps and other locations. It also may involve initial repairs to damaged infrastructure. The focus in the response phase is on meeting the basic needs of the people until more permanent and sustainable solutions can be found. Humanitarian organizations are often strongly present in this phase of the disaster management cycle.

Actions carried out in a disaster situation with the objective to save a life, alleviate suffering and reduce economic losses. The main tool in response is the implementation of plans which were prepared prior to the event.

Response activities are post activities geared towards:

• Providing emergency assistance
• Reducing the probability of additional injuries or damage
• Speeding recovery operations
• Returning systems to normal level

Response is what happens after the disaster occurs. It involves both short- and long-term responses.

Ideally, the disaster-management leader will coordinate the use of resources (including personnel, supplies and equipment) to help restore personal and environmental safety, as well as to minimize the risk of any additional property damage.

During the response stage, any ongoing hazards are removed from the area; for example, in the aftermath of a wildfire, any lingering fires will be put out, and areas that pose a high flammability risk will be stabilized.

The ability to quickly make decisions is crucial here, as the response stage is time-sensitive. Another valuable skill is delegating essential tasks to other volunteers or emergency responders.