Columbus, OH – The Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness (OCSWA), in partnership with the National Weather Service (NWS) and the Ohio Emergency Management Agency (EMA), is launching the 2025 Severe Weather Awareness campaign with the opening of its annual Severe Weather Awareness Poster Contest.
The contest is open to all Ohio students in kindergarten through eighth grade, including those in individualized instruction (special education), as well as students from public, private, and home school settings.
The goal of the contest is to engage students in learning about severe weather safety and preparedness. Through their artwork, students are invited to illustrate Ohio-specific severe weather events such as tornadoes, thunderstorms, and flooding, while also showcasing actions people can take to stay safe before, during, and after such events.
“In Ohio, severe weather can strike at any time of the year, and its impacts can be significant,” said Ohio EMA Director Sima Merick. “This poster contest gives young Ohioans an opportunity to be creative while learning about the dangers of severe weather and the steps they can take to protect themselves and others.”
Ohio grade schools will soon receive additional information on how to participate in the contest. All poster submissions must be postmarked or submitted via email by January 10, 2025.
For more details on the contest, including complete rules and entry forms, visit the Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness website.
