When a tractor-trailer truck flipped over at 10 p.m. on a weeknight last month, it unleashed a river of gasoline onto Route 128. And that gas leak and clean-up meant that 69 guests at the Hampton Inn had to be placed in the city's emergency shelter overnight.

The city offers shelter to residents in need during major incidents and states of emergency.

But this Thursday, residents will be able to visit the city's shelter and learn more about Woburn's emergency preparedness.

Woburn Police and the Board of Health, with the cooperation of Woburn's Medical Reserve Corps, is hosting an open tour and information session Thursday, Aug. 2 from 5 to 6 p.m. at the city's emergency shelter—Woburn Memorial High School.

"During this tour, residents can see how Woburn's emergency shelter will be set up in the event of an unexpected disaster," said Sgt. Paul Tenney in a statement.

"There will also be emergency preparedness information available for you to take home," added Sgt. Tenney.

The info session is sponsored by the Massachusetts Region 4A Medical Reserve Corps.

The open house comes in time for September, which is National Preparedness Month.