Emergencies may cause work stoppage, layoffs, greater absenteeism, extended leave, and related compensation issues. Some employees may be required to relocate and others to work from home during emergency operations. Keep in mind that laws, regulations, and court decisions may affect an organization's decisions. The right planning and response from employers can keep a dangerous situation from escalating. Emergency planning helps ensure that employees are trained and equipped to respond immediately and correctly in an emergency and that the company complies with federal and state laws where applicable. In all cases, sensible emergency preparation can help employers manage risk, maintain control, and surmount and recover from an emergency situation. Planning must also encompass ongoing problems caused by the emergency situation.

There are many personnel, safety, and even public health laws to consider when preparing for and handling emergencies. The Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act requires employers to ensure that employees know what to do in an emergency and how to evacuate the workplace if disaster strikes. The Public Health Service (PHS) Act allows government officials to declare a public health emergency and establish quarantines or take other actions that would affect businesses, a possible scenario if a pandemic flu outbreak occurs. Just as with preparedness for other emergencies, there is much a company can do to prepare for a flu pandemic or other disease outbreak.