Calendar contest highlights preparedness

Attention Travis County second- through fifth-graders: Austin’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management wants your artwork. Specifically, HSEM wants your artwork depicting “family emergency preparedness actions, severe weather conditions occurring in central Texas and manmade disasters.” Doesn’t that sound like fun? Contest winners will be featured in HSEM’s 2021 Emergency Preparedness Calendar – the first one to feature student artwork. So, start creating those images of an evacuation plan or emergency kit; a tornado, lightning storm or flood; a wildfire, terrorist attack – or even a pandemic. “Artwork should also contain a safety message about the specific hazard featured,” say the guidelines. All mediums are welcome, though no glitter, please. The deadline for submitting artwork is Oct. 18. There will be 14 winners selected: one for each of the 12 months, plus the front and back covers. Winners will receive trophies and prizes at an award ceremony! Find more information, artwork guidelines and a submission form at austintexas.gov/hsemcalendar.