LINCOLN – As Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts signed a proclamation declaring March 21 – 25 as Nebraska Severe Weather Awareness Week, poster contest winners were recently announced.
According to a release from Nebraska Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the winning and honorable mention posters will be featured in NEMA’s 2022 Severe Weather Awareness calendar.
Severe Weather Awareness week is a time to remind Nebraskans that community preparedness can minimize the dangers of the annual severe weather season to the lives and property of Nebraskans.
A fourth place finish came from Morgan Ebel, age nine, from Creighton Community School, Creighton in Knox County titled “Be Ready, Be Safe, Go Inside Just in Case”.
Other northeast Nebraska honorable mention representatives were Violet Pavlik, 8, Verdigre Elementary, Verdigre, Knox County as well as Zayd Wortuan, 9, Wynot Elementary School, Wynot, Cedar County.
First Place: Sophie Rakes, 8, Southern Public Schools, Blue Springs, Gage County
“What to Do During a Tornado Tips”
Second Place Mary White, 9, Gretna Elementary School, Gretna, Sarpy County
“Be Prepared Storms Pop Up Anywhere”
Third Place Abigail Strilkivsky, 9, Fredstrom Elementary School, Lincoln, Lancaster County
“What to Do v. What Not to Do During a Tornado”
Fourth Place Morgan Ebel, 9, Creighton Community School, Creighton, Knox County
“Be Ready, Be Safe, Go Inside Just in Case”
Honorable Mention
Hayden Christensen, 9, Prairie Queen Elementary School, Papillion, Sarpy County
Addison Dimmitt, 9, Fredstrom Public Schools, Lincoln, Lancaster County
Cora Dobbe, 8, Loveland Elementary School, Omaha, Douglas County
Avery Mader, 9 , 1R Elementary School, Grand Island, Hall County
Violet Pavlik, 8, Verdigre Elementary, Verdigre, Knox County
Olivia Placke, 9 Centura Public School, Cairo, Howard County
Ezra Tanner, 9, Fredstrom Elementary School, Lincoln, Lancaster County
Zayd Wortuan, 9, Wynot Elementary School, Wynot, Cedar County
Nebraska Emergency Management officials want all Nebraskans to take some time during Severe Weather Awareness Week to prepare for spring and summer severe weather. The devastating impacts of extreme events can be reduced through improved readiness. Make a safety plan, create a preparedness kit and review proper safety precautions. It’s just a good practice for those who live in areas affected by tornadoes, floods and severe thunderstorms.
For more information on severe weather awareness, or preparing for severe weather, visit: https://nema.nebraska.gov/
On Wednesday, March 23, tornado sirens will sound 10 a.m. CDT.