Artists needed for Austin's emergency prep calendar

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The City of Austin Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) is showcasing student artwork to contribute to the 2026 Emergency Preparedness Calendar.

All students in kindergarten through 8th grade are invited to participate. The deadline to submit has been extended to Friday, Aug. 15.

Meteorologist Tommy House sat down with David Wiechmann with HSEM to learn more.

Read an edited version of the conversation below or use the video player above to listen.

Meteorologist Tommy House: What is the Emergency Preparedness Calendar, and how can people submit their work?

David Wiechmann: We host an annual children's artwork contest called the Emergency Preparedness Calendar, which is designed for students in kindergarten through 8th grade. Elementary school kids and middle school kids can submit artwork.

You can also submit online on our website at ReadyCentralTexas.org, if you click on the "Get Involved" tab and then click on the "Calendar Contest", you'll go to the page about the calendar, where we have instructions on what type of artwork, what size it needs to be, and how you can submit an online submission.

We're going to extend the deadline another two weeks, which is now Aug. 15.

House: I heard there are trophies awarded?

Wiechmann: Last December, we recognized children whose artwork was chosen for the calendar, and they received certificates, a trophy. and a copy of the calendar so they can give it to their parents and grandparents, their friends, or their art teacher at school who has inspired them. We also gave them a miniature emergency preparedness starter kit that also included a weather radio.