Join Thousand Oaks CERT: Free Emergency Preparedness Training Starts September 18

August 05, 2024

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The Thousand Oaks Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program offers free individual and neighborhood emergency preparedness training and is a joint effort between the City and the Ventura County Fire Department (VCFD).

CONTACT: Grahame Watts, Emergency Services Administrator, gwatts@toaks.gov; 805-449-2453

Alexandra South, Director of Strategic Communications and Public Affairs,

asouth@toaks.gov; 805-449-2120


THOUSAND OAKS, Calif., August 5, 2024- The Thousand Oaks Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program offers free individual and neighborhood emergency preparedness training and is a joint effort between the City and the Ventura County Fire Department (VCFD).


VCFD will provide instructors for in-person classroom training starting September 18th at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza from 6:00-9:30 pm for six consecutive Wednesdays, concluding on October 23rd. The skills taught in this six-week program provides critical support to individuals, families, neighbors, and the community immediately following an emergency incident when residents may initially be on their own.


Following the conclusion of classes, a final drill will be scheduled for CERT graduates at the Ventura County Fire Headquarters in Camarillo. This drill is a crucial part of the training, providing participants with a hands-on experience to test their skills and readiness.


The program is free and open to area residents 14 years and older. Anyone interested in attending this in-person course is encouraged to visit toaks.co/cert, send an email to gwatts@toaks.gov, or call (805) 449-2453.

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