A review of the literature on the empirical effects of advance notification of plant closings (voluntary and mandated), including the authors' recent study using data drawn from the 1984 Survey of Displaced Workers. suggests that advance notice reduces the probalility that displaced workers suffer any spells of unemployment and may also moderated temporary increases in area unemployment rates. There is little evidence of adverse effects of advance notice, either to workers or to firms. The implications for public policy are discussed.