In the wake of March’s massive landslide in the Ledgewood community of Whidbey Island, it might be a good time for other neighborhoods to learn how to prepare for a disaster.

Islands chapter of the American Red Cross looking for groups to host “Safe in the Sound” disaster preparedness classes.

Mike Dilley, a volunteer for the Red Cross Disaster Action Team, said several people completed training for the preparedness course, which will be available to nonprofit organizations, community groups and any other groups of people interested in learning to prepare themselves in the event of a major disaster.

The two-hour class will focus on three areas — what is needed in a disaster kit, how to make a plan and how to stay informed.

A preparedness kit should include a minimum of three days worth of nonperishable food and water, a first aid kit and at least seven days worth of medications.

The disaster preparedness class will also touch upon factors to consider when forming a disaster plan and also how to learn about the type of emergencies that could happen in the state, what actions to take in the event of a natural disaster, according to the American Red Cross website.

Dilley noted a website, www.safeinthesound.org, is active that outlines what needs to be done to prepare for a disaster.

In addition to the Safe in the Sound classes, Dilley said a different website, readyrating.org, is available to help businesses gauge their readiness in case of a disaster by offering a questionnaire.

Dilley said that if a business is forced to close because of the disaster for longer than 30 days, then the less likely it becomes that it will ever re-open.

For more information about the classes and services offered by the local American Red Cross chapter, call 360-293-2911.