A survey of emergency preparedness was conducted in three public school districts in urban areas of Los Angeles County. Eighty-three school sites were surveyed using self-administered questionnaires. Although designated respondents generally felt that their schools were well prepared, the survey also revealed the need for improvements in written disaster plans, emergency response training, availability of equipment and supplies, and implementation of the state-mandated Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS). A significant predictor of compliance with the SEMS guidelines was having experienced the effects of school emergencies in the past. (Contains 3 tables and 3 figures.)