A shutdown response system includes a network with a first network device and a second network device. The first network device sends a first data traffic flow through the network along a first data path that includes the second network device. If the second network device determines that a shutdown condition is within a predetermined shutdown notification range of a predetermined shutdown threshold, it sends a first shutdown response notification to the first network device. The first network device receives the first shutdown response notification and, in response, determines and stores a second data path for sending the first data traffic flow through the network that does not include the second network device. In the event the second network device shuts down, the first network device immediately begins sending the first data traffic flow through the network along the second data path that does not include the second network device.