Austin kicks off annual flood safety video contest for area students

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The City of Austin Watershed Protection Department kicked off its annual flood safety video contest on Monday, city officials announced.

The contest is open to students in grade 6-12 and features the opportunity for them to work on a short public service announcement (PSA) on how to educate drivers how to "Turn Around - Don't Drown" when driving in water, the city said in a release.

Watershed Protection said this is a way students can spread awareness "about safe practices during flooding incidents." The department added it hopes this contest will inspire students to drive change and make a positive impact in the community, per the release.

Qualifications for the contest outlined by the city include:

• Who: Open to all 6-12 grade students in Austin and the surrounding area. Students may work individually or as a team. 
• Objective: Create a 30-second PSA showing safe behavior during a flash flood. 
• Prizes: Winners will recieve a $100 gift card, swag bags and a chance to be featured on local news stations. 
• Submission: Videos due by March 31, 2024. 

Winners will be announced in April, according to the city.

For further details on the contest, you can visit the flood safety contest portion on the city website.