This guidebook describes the components involved in proactively developing a comprehensive crisis-management plan. Chapter 1 explains the philosophical underpinnings of a crisis-management plan and discusses the importance of vision and staff development. Chapter 2 answers the questions: Why do we need a crisis-management plan? Who needs to be involved on a crisis team? and What are the components of a crisis plan? The third chapter focuses on the function and role of the crisis team, and the fourth chapter offers strategies for the development team in developing, implementing, and promoting the plan. Appropriate guidelines for handling the special needs of individuals who are coping with grief are offered in chapter 5. The sixth chapter identifies areas in which personnel training needs to occur and why. Positive and proactive ways to include parents and the community in prevention efforts are described in the seventh chapter. Chapter 8 explains how conflict management can be incorporated into a school setting and identifies the skills needed by a conflict mediator. Chapter 9 offers clues for recognizing gang activity and dealing with it proactively. The appendix presents 36 examples of crisis situations and anticipated responses. (Contains 10 references.) (LMI)