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

                           Alexandra South, Director of Strategic Communications and Public Affairs, asouth@toaks.org;

   805-449-2120

 In-Person CERT Classes Start April 5, 2023 in Thousand Oaks

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif., March 10, 2023 - In-person Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) courses will return to Thousand Oaks on April 5, 2023. CERT is a coordinated program between the Ventura County Fire Department and the City of Thousand Oaks.

This season's CERT courses will begin on Wednesday, April 5th from 6:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. and will continue for five successive Wednesdays at the same time. The first six classes will be held at City Hall, with the final drill at the Ventura County Fire Department Headquarters in Camarillo.

 The CERT program offers classes to residents about emergency preparedness and includes training about hazards that may impact their neighborhood, such as fire suppression, light search and rescue, and medical operations. Skills learned in the classroom and during exercises can give critical support to families, neighbors, and the community immediately following an incident.

CERT is a free program, open to Ventura County residents 18 years and older, and is taught by personnel from the Ventura County Fire Department. Residents interested in CERT are encouraged to register online at www.toaks.org/emergency by Monday, April 3, 2023.

###