This guidebook outlines a method for preparing school facilities and personnel in the event that schools are needed for disaster shelters. It serves as a blueprint for planning and preparedness. Chapter 1 provides descriptions of actual incidents in which California schools served as emergency shelters. Chapter 2 describes schools' legal responsibilities to their students and communities before, during, and after a disaster. Guidelines for coordinating interagency sheltering plans and making predisaster agreements are offered in the third chapter. The fourth chapter describes procedures for inspecting buildings and making assessments as to their safety. Standardized Emergency Management System (SEM) regulations for sheltering are provided in chapter 5. Chapter 6 discusses considerations in arranging for the resumption of school. Chapters 7 through 9 discuss plans for conducting shelter training and drills, financial considerations, and application of the law to private schools and special programs. Three tables are included. Appendices contain information resources, sample forms, and checklists. (LMI)