Oxnard Hosts Free “Prep in the Park” to Help Families Prepare for Disasters and El Niño Storms

# What happened

# Who organized it Department, the City's Cultural and Community Services Department, and the American Red Cross. Mayor Luis McArthur spoke about the accessibility of simple, cost-free steps families can take to improve readiness and encouraged community participation.

# What attendees could do and learn The event featured four interactive zones, each designed to teach concrete skills:

• Disaster readiness: disaster preparedness games and resources for households, seniors, and people with disabilities.
• Life‑saving skills: hands-only CPR, basic first aid training, and an earthquake simulator to help people experience tremor effects in a controlled setting.
• Pet preparedness: pet first aid demonstrations and guidance for including animals in household plans.

Children had activity-appropriate offerings such as obstacle courses and interactive games. Attendees could meet local first responders and K9 partners. Completing activities earned participants prizes and essential emergency preparedness items.

# Why this matters now Forecasters predicted a very strong El Niño for the upcoming winter, which increases the likelihood of significant rain and flooding. The City timed the event during National Preparedness Month, a FEMA-led campaign in September that encourages households to review and improve emergency plans and supplies. The event aimed to translate preparedness recommendations into simple, hands-on actions residents can take at little or no cost.

# Who benefits Families with children, seniors, people with disabilities, and pet owners were all targeted by specific resources and demonstrations. The format emphasized practical skills that attendees can apply immediately at home, such as using a fire extinguisher, performing hands-only CPR, and assembling basic disaster supplies.

# How to get more information The City listed a full activity roster and additional details on its website at www.oxnard.gov/prepinthepark. The event was open to anyone in the Oxnard area who wanted to learn basic emergency skills and collect preparedness items.

# Takeaway Prep in the Park translated broader emergency messaging about an active El Niño season into tangible, repeatable actions. The mix of demonstrations, practice stations, and free takeaways was designed to lower the hurdle for households to start or improve their preparedness plans.