Alaska Railroad sponsors kids art contest to promote safety

ANCHORAGE — The Alaska Railroad and Operation Lifesaver Alaska chapter are sponsoring a children’s art contest aimed at building awareness of important rail safety tips.

Children from pre-school to senior high are invited to create drawings or paintings that illustrate ways to be safe around railroad tracks and crossings, and to submit their artwork by July 5 for a chance to win free rail travel. As part of the contest, children are asked to draw or paint art that illustrates any of the following rail safety tips:

• Stay off the tracks.

• Stay at least 20 feet away from the tracks.

• Obey crossing signs and signals.

• Cross the tracks only at designated crossings.

• Always expect a train and look both ways before crossing the tracks.

• Never ride (horse, ATV, bike, snow machine, etc.) on the tracks.

• Never climb on or under rail equipment on the tracks.

• More tips are available at the Operation Lifesaver website, oli.org.

The free contest includes three age categories: 1. preschool through kindergarten; 2. first through sixth grade; and 3. junior and senior high school. Prizes will be awarded for each category and include the grand prize of free rail travel for four people, and second prize of free rail travel for two people.

Contest rules, instructions and an official entry form are online at bit.ly/10PJdMW.

For more information, call (907) 265-2671 or (907) 265-2357.