Duct tape alert

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The duct tape alert refers to the recommendations allegedly made by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on February 10, 2003, that Americans should prepare for a biological, chemical, or radiological terrorist attack by assembling a "disaster supply kit", including duct tape and plastic, among other items. [1][2][3]

The recommendations came on the heels of an increase in the Department's official threat level to "orange", or "high risk", citing "recent intelligence reports". [4][5]

According to some press reports, the recommendations caused a surge in demand for duct tape. [6]

The minor media sensation surrounding duct tape was fodder for comedians and satirists. Some referred to it as "duct and cover", a reference to duck and cover.

[edit] References

  1. ^ Biological Weapons Fact Sheet. Department of Homeland Security.
  2. ^ Chemical Weapons Fact Sheet. Department of Homeland Security.
  3. ^ Radiological Dispersion Devices Fact Sheet. Department of Homeland Security.
  4. ^ Remarks by Secretary Ridge, Attorney General Ashcroft, and Director Mueller. Department of Homeland Security.
  5. ^ Threat Level Raised to Orange. Department of Homeland Security.
  6. ^ Meserve, Jeanne (2003-02-11). Duct tape sales rise amid terror fears. CNN.com.

[edit] External links

  • "The Smart Way to Be Scared" by Gregg Easterbrook, The New York Times, February 16, 2003. [1] (Registration Required)
  • "Duct Tape and Cover" A spoof on the original "Duck and Cover" video [2]
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