09/09/2026
NEWS RELEASE: City of Oxnard to Host “Prep in the Park” Event to Help Families with Disaster and El Niño Storm Preparedness Efforts
Free event features hands-on preparedness activities, demonstrations and giveaways
OXNARD, Calif. – The City of Oxnard will host 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 will make 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 takes 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” will give 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 can explore four interactive activity zones focused on fire safety, disaster readiness, life-saving skills, and pet preparedness. Activities include 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.
All attendees can also earn prizes and essential emergency preparedness items by completing activities throughout the event. Additional resources and information will be available for families, seniors, and people with disabilities to help them with their preparedness efforts at home.
Prep in the Park is free and open to the public. For more information and a complete list of activities, visit www.oxnard.gov/prepinthepark.
