Central Texas students are invited to submit emergency preparedness artwork for Homeland Security and Emergency Management’s (HSEM) 2024 Austin Emergency Preparedness Calendar contest. The contest is open to all kindergarten through 8th-grade students whose school or residence is located within the Central Texas area. 

“This calendar contest is a fun, yet important way to get whole families involved and thinking about being prepared ahead of an emergency,” said Homeland Security and Emergency Management Director, Juan Ortiz. “We are developing the next generation to be aware of what they can do to keep their families safe during disasters.”   

Students are encouraged to create artwork that contains a safety message about a specific hazard such as severe weather, flash flooding or excessive heat or cold conditions. Artwork can also contain emergency preparedness actions such as building a kit or staying informed. Young artists can learn more about emergency preparedness at readycentraltexas.org and ready.gov to help them with submission ideas.  

The deadline for submission is 11:59 p.m., Friday, March 31, 2023. All artwork must be submitted to the City of Austin Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management electronically or mailed to: HSEM, P.O. Box 1088, Austin, Texas 78767. Winners will be announced in April 2023 with an award ceremony in May 2023.  

Selected artists will receive a trophy and NOAA weather radio at a Distinguished Service Award Ceremony held at Austin City Hall during a Council meeting. Honorable mentions will receive a ribbon to be presented by their art teacher during their regularly scheduled art class or school awards day. 

For other contest guidelines and information, visit www.austintexas.gov/hsemcalendar  

Pick up a free copy of the 2023 Emergency Preparedness Calendar at most Austin Public Library locations and Travis County Recreation Centers. 

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