The event was free, featuring hands-on preparation activities, demonstrations, and free items.

The City of Oxnard hosted a disaster preparedness event, “Prep in the Park,” on Saturday, September 26, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at College Park, 3250 S. Rose Ave. The free, family-friendly event made emergency preparedness simple and accessible, and comes as forecasters predict a very strong El Niño this winter, which increases the potential for significant rain and flooding.


The event took place during National Preparedness Month, which is a nationwide preparedness campaign led by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) each September. Hosted by the Oxnard Fire Department and in partnership with the Oxnard Police Department, the City’s Cultural and Community Services Department, and the American Red Cross, “Prep in the Park” gave families an opportunity to learn practical emergency skills through hands-on activities, interactive games, and demonstrations.


“Families can easily take simple, cost-free steps to enhance their emergency readiness,” emphasized Mayor Luis Mc Arthur. “Oxnard’s ‘Prep in the Park’ event is a fantastic opportunity for our community to come together, acquire vital preparedness skills, and connect with emergency responders. We encourage Oxnard families to join us and see how simple it is to be prepared.”


Event attendees explored four interactive activity zones focused on fire safety, disaster readiness, life-saving skills, and pet preparedness. Activities included an earthquake simulator, hands-only CPR and basic first aid training, fire extinguisher practice, disaster preparedness games, kids’ obstacle courses, pet first aid, and opportunities to meet local first responders and their K9 partners.


Event attendees could win prizes and essential emergency preparedness items by completing activities during the event. Resources and information were also available for families, older adults, and people with disabilities so they could continue preparing at home. VIDA Newspaper was one of the sponsors of this important community event.