In a bid to bolster flood safety awareness among the youth, the City of Austin Watershed Protection Department is calling for students in grades 6-12 to participate in the 2025 Flood Safety Video Contest. Young Austin residents have an opportunity to craft a 30-second public service announcement addressing the life-saving directive: "Turn Around - Don’t Drown®."
The contest, aimed at promoting safe behavior during flash floods, will accept entries until March 31, as reported by the City of Austin. "By engaging students in flood safety, we’re equipping the next generation with tools to protect themselves and their communities," Jorge Morales, Director of the Watershed Protection Department, emphasized the contest's significance. Students can submit their work individually, or in teams and in any language of their preference.
Chosen for their ability to convey critical information effectively, the top 10 winners will each receive a $100 gift card. Their PSA videos will also be showcased during an April community event. Winners are set to be announced during Austin’s Flood Safety Awareness Week, scheduled from April 21-26, 2025.
Judging criteria for the submissions include creativity, clarity of the message, and overall impact. The contest underscores the city's vulnerability, located in the Flash Flood Alley, where education on such matters proves vital for survival in torrential downpours, according to a news release from the City of Austin. Interested participants and their guardians can find more details and submission guidelines on the contest’s webpage.
Regarding watershed protection, the department not only focuses on emergency scenarios but also works to diminish the long-term impacts of flooding, erosion, and water pollution. For more extensive information on these initiatives, residents can visit the City of Austin Watershed Protection Department's official website.
