The Scotland County chapter of the American Red Cross will hold free disaster preparedness courses on July 24.

Courses in disaster services and shelter operations will be held back-to-back for those interested in becoming a disaster volunteer, either locally or throughout the United States.

Disaster Services: An Overview is a basic course that provides an introduction to disaster services. The first module introduces disaster preparedness and response at the American Red Cross and the second module is designed for chapters to customize their disaster program information to local emergencies.

Shelter operations is a basic course designed to give participants an overview of American Red Cross policies and procedures for setting up, running, and closing a shelter during a disaster.

The courses will be held at 6 p.m. at the Scotland County American Red Cross office at 501A Westwood Way in Laurinburg. They are free of charge and open to the general public. Participants can register by calling Pat Smartt at 536-7448 or the Laurinburg office at 276-0600.