FRANKLIN—Just as the “Are You Ready” seminar started Thursday, one of the topics of discussion threatened to become a reality — don’t fool with Mother Nature.

Among the presentations and handouts was information for being prepared for violent weather, and nobody could miss the loud sounds of rolling thunder and heavy downpour of rain.

Presenting sponsors for the event were the GFWC Sedley Woman’s Club, GFWC Tarrara Woman’s Club, Southampton Memorial Hospital, The Tidewater News and Paul D. Camp Community College Division of Workforce Development.

Gold sponsors were Bronco Federal Credit Union and Manry-Rawls Insurance Company. Silver sponsors were EVB and Farm Bureau Insurance Company.

The event began with dissemination of valuable information for preparedness for a variety of emergencies, disasters, family crises and financial upheaval by the following vendors: Bronco Federal Credit Union, Bank of America, BB&T, EVB, BB&T, Comfort Keepers, Councill Financial Concepts, Farm Bureau, LifeNet, Manry-Rawls Insurance Company, Prudential Insurance Company, Senior Services of Southeast VA, Southampton Home Health and Hospice, State Farm Insurance Company and The UP Center.

The two Womens’ Clubs provided handouts on various other topics not otherwise covered including hurricane preparedness and safe records storage.

Members of both clubs also attended the registration table.

A healthy meal was prepared by the hospital food services group.

Table decorations created by Linda Beatty consisted of mini disaster survival kits, which were given away at the end of the evening to one person at each table.

Hubbard Peanut Company provided table favors for each attendee.

Just prior to the meal the group of about 130 people was welcomed by June Dunlow, one of the coordinators of the event and Randy Betz, vice president of the Workforce Development Center delivered the invocation.

Jim Jervey of Farm Bureau was introduced by Anne Williams. He spoke on being prepared for insurance disasters.

Taylor Williams, Franklin city attorney, was introduced by Fran Edwards. The topic he covered was health emergencies and the importance of having the right legal documents to protect your wishes.

Melissa Boyce of Bronco Federal Credit Union addressed the issue of financial crisis and she was introduced by Anne Bryant.

Following the presentations, door prizes which had been provided by several of the sponsors were given away.

Attendees could then return to the vendor tables to collect more information. Presenters and vendors alike encouraged attendees to share information with their friends, family and neighbors.

Everyone left with a full tummy, hands full of brochures and a head full of vital information to protect their family and their property — a good sign of a successful seminar.