Disaster potluckHosting a holiday disaster kit potluck

Published 21 December 2011

Cindi Shank, the executive director of the Southwest Colorado chapter of the American Red Cross, is encouraging local residents to host a party where instead of bringing potluck dishes they bring flashlights and bandages

This year instead of throwing just another holiday party, try hosting a disaster preparedness kit potluck.

Cindi Shank, the executive director of the Southwest Colorado chapter of the American Red Cross, is encouraginglocal residents to host a party where instead of bringing potluck dishes they bring flashlights and bandages.

“Someone may bring ten flashlights while another guest brings ten boxes of bandages,” Shank writes in the Durango Herald. “Each guest needs to bring a bucket or bag to the party, and then items are exchanged so that all who attend have at least a good start to their emergency kits.”

A member of the local Red Cross will also be on hand to teach party-goers how to assemble their disaster kits and the best place to store them in their vehicles and homes.

“This is an easy way to not just cross your fingers and hope that you and your family are prepared during an emergency in our community. A prepared community is a safer community in which we all can live,” Shank said.