Office of Emergency Management Announces Winners of Wacky Weather Wheel Contest

Now that winter is finally behind us, many are anticipating the return of warm weather, green grass and blooming flowers. But have you thought about the possibility of severe weather this Spring? Don’t fret because if you haven’t, your children may be one step ahead!

To kick off Southlake’s 2018 Severe Weather Awareness Week, your local Office of Emergency Management, OEM, sponsored a Severe Weather Awareness Poster Contest. The contest was open to all Southlake students in Kindergarten through 4th grade. The “Wacky Weather Wheel” theme was to bring life to the severe weather that can affect us in North Texas, in addition to sparking a preparedness train of thought.

And oh what a spark it did create – an overwhelming 650 poster entries were submitted from five local elementary schools! The thought and creativity displayed from each student made it a difficult decision to select a first and second place winner from each grade level. Each student did a remarkable job portraying weather events that could affect each resident of Southlake.

Winners of the 2018 poster contest are:

• Kindergarten: First Place – Aadya Tripathy, Second Place – Lucas Grimm
• First Grade: First Place – Ruby Cloudy, Second Place – Ella Chen
• Second Grade: First Place – Trevor Bowen, Second Place – Katelyn Lucente
• Third Grade: First Place – Charlotte Fu, Second Place – River Gatlin
• Fourth Grade: First Place – Vivien Wang, Second Place – Justin Lim

First Place winners received a NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) Weather Radio, a Fire Department T-Shirt, and 1st place medal. The Second Place winners received a prize pack with ribbon and fidget spinner. The top ten masterpieces will be on display at the City of Southlake Public Library from March 26 – April 3.

The OEM would like to remind you that each year severe weather causes extensive damage and creates hardships throughout the State of Texas. Severe weather is the most dangerous and common threat that Southlake residents face on a daily basis. Often, severe weather causes serious injuries and loss of life; tragically, some of which may have been prevented. Weather-related threats occur throughout the year from tornadoes, flooding, straight-line winds, lightning, hail and hurricanes. Every household should always be prepared to face these challenges. If you would like more information on emergency preparedness, please call the Office of Emergency Management at 817-748-8624 or 817-748-8903.