Local fire station bells are ringing to encourage young artists to participate in a unique Turlock Fire Department contest.
The week of October 6 is National Fire Safety Week. To celebrate and raise awareness, children ages 5 to 13 are encouraged to submit fire safety-themed artwork.
The contest begins August 26, with submissions accepted through September 20. Artwork must be drawn on 8.5″ x 11″ paper and submitted either in person or via email. In-person submissions can be dropped off at the fire department office at 244 N. Broadway, 2nd floor. Email submissions must include a photo of the artwork and be sent to [email protected].
Topics should include cooking safety, testing smoke alarms, escape planning and the classic “stop, drop and roll” technique, among other messages encouraging safe behaviors. The artwork must include the slogan “Fire Safety 2024” with the participant’s name, age and school. The information can be included anywhere on the drawing.
For examples or ideas for artwork, visit www.NFPA.org.
Entries will be judged by the Turlock Fire Department on statement and creativity. Firefighters and staff will select ten semifinalists. Assistant fire chiefs will then select a handful of finalists. The winner will be announced on October 2nd.
Finalists’ artwork will be printed on 8.5″ x 11″ magnets that will be placed on all fire trucks during Fire Prevention Week. In the meantime, all submissions will be on display in the department’s administration office for everyone to admire.
Community members should direct questions about the contest to (209) 668-5580. The department offices on Broadway are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
