In many countries, subway stations are considered shelters because they are located deep underground. However, in Iran, many of these stations have been situated in the proximity of ground level and are seismically vulnerable. This paper aims to present an emergency response plan for evacuation of unsafe subway stations in Tehran. The Tehran subway with an average of 2.5 million people commuting daily plays an important role in inner city trips. Therefore, developing an emergency plan and issuing an emergency response guide for emergency evacuation can be considered as an important step in seismic risk reduction of subway system. This research was undertaken in four steps. First, an analysis of the existing situation of the subway stations in Tehran was done. Then, a checklist including eight parameters was designed for identifying stations. The main criteria were proximity to high seismic risk areas and the station's depth below ground. In the third step, few stations including Golhak, Imam Khomeini, Darvazeh Dowlat and Khayyam were chosen for field visits. Finally, the gained information was analyzed and an emergency planning guideline was developed. The results for improving subway safety during and after earthquakes included using warning signs, training train drivers to stop at the nearest station and guide passengers to exit, training officials to direct people to safe routes, and preparing passengers to evacuate or shelter in safe stations.