The City of Austin is calling on its citizens to participate in shaping a vital community resource aimed at fostering emergency preparedness through creativity and civic involvement. This Monday, July 1, locals cast their votes for their favorite submissions from young artists for the Austin Emergency Preparedness Calendar, as announced by the City of Austin.
Vying for a spot in the 2025 calendar, over 200 kindergartens through 8th-grade students have put forth artwork that intertwines artistic expression with the serious topic of disaster readiness. With a public invitation open until Friday, July 19, residents have the opportunity, to weigh in on the 24 finalists, as per the City of Austin. The concept is simple yet significant: harness the unguarded creativity of youth to communicate the need for emergency preparedness—because, staying safe should be a priority for all, from the youngest to the oldest in our community.
"It is important for everyone to learn how to prepare for emergencies, and this calendar is an engaging way for young artists to learn these skills," iterated Bill Wilson, Interim Director of Austin HSEM, in a statement made by the City of Austin. The final 12 artworks will illustrate monthly pages accompanied by safety tips for weather hazards and man-made emergencies—resources that could one day prove lifesaving.
The selected winners will not only grace the pages of the widely distributed calendar but will also be honored during a Distinguished Service Award Ceremony in December, sponsored by District 6. To view the finalist artworks and cast your vote, visit the Austin HSEM website. For those looking to grab a physical copy of the 2024 calendar, limited quantities are available at Austin HSEM monthly Emergency Preparedness Pop-Up events.
