Emergency Preparedness Month youth poster contest offered

A poster contest is planned as part of the 2013 Emergency Preparedness Expo, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sept. 14 at Mat-Su College.

North America Outdoor Institute and the Mat-Su Borough Office of Emergency Services remind residents that September is National Emergency Preparedness Month. To participate, register online at naoiak.org.

The poster contest is open to youths ages 5 to 18 in four age groups. Parents and teachers are encouraged to use the contest as an opportunity to talk with children about what it means to be prepared for emergencies. Posters should be at least 8.5-by-11 inches and not larger than 24-by-24 inches.

Create a poster that illustrates what being prepared means to you or what disasters might strike you or your family. Winning entries receive a $50 gift certificate to Fred Meyer. The first 150 entries receive a Wendy’s gift certificate and a Be Prepared sticker.

Each poster must include the child’s first and last name, age, email address and phone number.

Posters must be delivered to the Office of Emergency Services, Fire Station 6-1; North America Outdoor Institute, 281 N. Main Street Suite 101A, Imlach Professional Building, Wasilla; or bring posters to the Mat-Su Emergency Preparedness Expo no later than noon, Sept. 14.

For more information, contact 376-2829 or visit naoiak.org.