'Be prepared' isn't just a good motto for Boy Scouts; all others, including senior citizens, should make sure they're ready for when disaster strikes.

The Turlock Senior Citizens club is helping local seniors become more aware of  emergency preparedness by hosting a free presentation.

The disaster awareness presentation will be held from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Aug. 13 at the Turlock Senior Citizens Center, 1191 Cahill.

Turlock’s Division Fire Marshall, Mark Gomez, will be the guest speaker and give information on the proper precautions to be taken in case of natural disasters.

“This presentation is beneficial and can help save many lives in case of a disaster,” said TSCC board member Gil Frost. “Most people don’t realize that in case of a natural disaster, many won’t receive aide for at least three days. This presentation will teach you how to keep families safe.”

Gomez will go over disaster emergency kits, what to do when electricity and phone lines are not working, and the importance of having flashlights and batteries on hand.

“At the end of the presentation community members will have the opportunity to ask the fire marshal any additional questions that they may be uncertain of,” said Frost.

There will be a free drawing at the end of the presentation of items contained in an emergency kit.

“The best thing you could do is be prepared in life,” said Frost. “Everyone is invited to attend this event.”