Red Cross To Offer Course On Disaster Preparedness

Posted 2:06 p.m. Aug 9, 2002 — Updated 2:06 p.m. Aug 9, 2002

RALEIGH, N.C. — On Sept. 11, the World Trade Center came crashing down around Manhattan, along with many people's sense of security. The weeks that followed were riddled with anthrax scares and fear of the unknown. As a result, the American Red Cross is offering a course called "

Preparing for the Unexpected

Marc Dubagian, a father of two, said he would gladly take the course.

"It used to be the only thing we worried about were the poisons under our sink and now you don't know what it is or where it's coming from," he said.

Instructor Glen Studinger warns that a chemical or biological attack would mean taking precautions immediately.

"Seal the windows with tape, making sure they are closed. Doors should be closed. Put towels around the lower area of doors," he said.

Emergency kits usually contain water, blankets, flashlights, and batteries, but Red Cross officials also suggest adding duct tape to your emergency kit. The duct tape should be wide enough to cover the cracks in a door or window. Experts said the goal is to keep contaminants out of your home.

Here are some additional steps to take during a chemical or biological threat:

Go to an interior room without windows that is above ground level.

Vents should be closed.

Air conditioning and furnaces need to be shut down.

Close the fireplace damper.

Make sure your radio is working so you can listen to instructions.

The Red Cross class will be taught on Sept. 10 in Raleigh.

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