Crisis situations--a stranger on school property, a phoned-in threat, an event or altercation that divides students into opposing groups, a student who carries a weapon into a school building--have become almost familiar in today's schools. Such events challenge school leaders and require follow-up in terms of timely, effective communication. Schools may already have a school-community safety team and a school safety plan, but what strategies are in place for explaining a crisis and responding to stakeholders' concerns? This article offers guidelines and advice that will help school leaders be prepared to communicate quickly and effectively when they need to do so. Some strategies that can help school leaders create effective written communication are presented.