It Matters! Are You Prepared?

     Shelby County students, grades 4 through 6, from public and private schools, recently displayed their artistic talents by participating in an earthquake preparedness poster contest.
The poster contest was sponsored by the University of Memphis Center for Earthquake Research and Information (CERI), the American Red Cross, and the Memphis/Shelby County Emergency Management Agency (EMA).
This event is held annually to help educate students and faculty by bringing attention to the risks of earthquakes during "Earthquake Awareness Week." 
     The students were asked to create an 11-inch by 14-inch original poster demonstrating "Earthquake Preparedness : what to do before, during and after an earthquake." The posters were submitted to CERI and judged on effort, technical correctness and originality.
    The Shelby County winners included:
First place for sixth grade: Central Church Day School in Collierville
They received an emergency radio, a first-aid kit, a preparedness kit for the school and the art teacher, and a T-shirt for everyone who participated

Second place for fifth grade: Gardenview Elementary School in Memphis
They received an emergency radio, a first-aid kit, and a T-shirt for all who participated

Runner Up: Winchester Elementary School in Memphis
They received a first-aid kit for the school and the art teacher, and a T-shirt for all who participated. 

For more information about earthquake preparedness , please visit: ceri.memphis.edu, mscema.org, and redcross.org.

Sandra Mathias is an EMA reserve program manager.