Schools get caught up unexpectedly in disasters and crises such as major loss following a fire, injuries and deaths of pupils on a school journey, or deliberate violence. 'Wise before the Event' describes some of the ways that crises can affect schools. It suggests how schools can help to lessen the physical and emotional effects of disasters. Above all, it argues that developing a school plan to deal with a disaster will lessen the impact when a crisis does occur. Many of the strategies suggested can be built into the curriculum of every school.