Ventura County Sheriff's Department

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services is continuing its commitment to community disaster preparedness education by partnering with the Ventura County School Districts in observance of National Preparedness Month.

“September is National Preparedness Month and we are challenging the schools in Ventura County to assist us in getting this important message to the children of our community, “ said Cynthia Elliott, Public Information Officer for the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services.

When unexpected natural or man-made emergencies occur, our greatest individual defense is preparedness. Getting an emergency supply kit, making an emergency plan, and being informed about the local hazards in our communities are several things we can do to prepare ourselves.

All Ventura County public school children have been invited to accept the challenge in preparing for emergencies and participate in the four disaster preparedness multi-media art contests being held throughout Ventura County. Participants are limited to one submission per contest, but are welcome to submit entries to each of the four categories. The contest categories include: art, photo, video and essay. Each of the four contests focuses on the importance of having and emergency supply kit, developing a family communications plan or being informed about the local hazards in our community. Contest flyers have been distributed to all of the schools and students should submit their entries to their school office by September 30, 2008. Contest winners will be selected by the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services and invited to an Awards Ceremony on December 8, 2008. Awards will be given by division to the best individual, grade, school and district for each category.

“Our hope is that these projects will facilitate discussions in the schools and at home, and therefore assist families in being more prepared for emergencies,” said Elliott.

Questions regarding the contests may be directed to the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services at (805) 654-2551.

For more information on National Preparedness Month, please visit the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s website at www.ready.gov.