The school safety issue is in large part an information and communications issue. The lack of clarity and specificity in communication can place students, teachers, and staff at risk. The school secretary often is in an excellent position to quickly communicate details to the proper persons, who can in turn take the steps needed to contain the problem. Every school administrator should establish a school crisis book. Such a book is an instant reference for names, phone numbers, and damage control hints. The crisis book should be assembled to reflect users' situational priorities. Front-line staff can act autonomously with some degree of confidence they are acting correctly when they have been trained to use the crisis book in specified emergencies where immediate action is a high priority. School architectural and interior design should also help school front-line staff perform their duties safely and effectively. There should be one well-defined entryway that provides close access to the school office. Specify one area in the school office that is a contained reception and seating area. Use safety plastic or safety glass to erect a counter-to-ceiling barrier, leaving open space for voice and paper movement. The office work area and secretary's desk should be on a 12-inch-high platform to facilitate observation and safety. Serious consideration should be given to installing a video camera, and the office staff should have good communications equipment.