Southeast Missouri State University student volunteers will educate elderly residents about disaster preparedness today as part of the Area Wide United Way's annual Days of Caring.

Volunteers will check smoke detectors and change batteries as needed in homes throughout the community. If necessary, arrangements will be made with the Cape Girardeau Fire Department to install smoke detectors for residents free of charge.

Residents are encouraged to stock emergency kits and store extra food and water to help make Cape Girardeau a disaster-resistant community.

"As witnessed by the recent earthquake in Seattle, being prepared for disasters can lessen the amount of destruction in communities," said United Way assistant director Kathy Denton. "Through this volunteer event, we are trying to make every effort to help prepare our local communities against disasters."

Days of Caring is the United Way's effort to encourage volunteerism through coordinated volunteer events within local communities.