This handbook was designed to help educators develop a proactive school-preparedness plan for dealing with a variety of crises, ranging from natural disasters to accidents to acts of violence. The School Emergency Response Plan (SERP) is not a violence-prevention program; rather, it is part of an overall effort to ensure a safe learning environment for all students. Data for the handbook were gathered from school observations and an administrator focus group. The planning process creates a vehicle for community collaboration that includes public-service and emergency-response entities, business, the media, social services, transportation systems, community leaders, and others. The seven steps in the planning process include: (1) identify key players and their roles; (2) conduct a school inventory of resources and limitations; (3) design the SERP; (4) apprise local institutions of the SERP; (5) clarify roles and responsibilities with community-service agencies and public-safety departments; (6) conduct and evaluate a crisis exercise; and (7) update the plan. One figure, one table, 6 worksheets, and lists of possible school-emergency situations and responses are included. (LMI)