It’s time to gear up for this year’s Fire Prevention Week program sponsored by Housing Authority Insurance Group. Each October, Fire Prevention Week is recognized by an annually changing theme. The National Fire Prevention Association’s theme for 2007 is “Practice Your Escape Plan.”

Once solely a San Antonio Housing Authority effort, the fire prevention poster program has become a national event with more than 100 participating housing authorities. Because the program involves both parents and children working together to develop a poster based on the theme, it is an effective way for residents to learn about fire safety.

Poster Contest Guidelines

1. Download the registration form by clicking here. Send in the form, postmarked no later than October 5, 2007 informing HAI Group of your PHA's intent to run a poster contest.
2. Use the theme, “Practice Your Escape Plan”: Posters should be the children’s artwork. Participants can use markers, paints, crayons, colored pencils, and standard poster board (22”x28”).
3. Establish three age groups for judging: The recommended groups are ages 6-9, 10-14, and 15-18. These are only suggestions and may be changed. If you choose to alter age groups, please notify us.
4. Establish a panel of judges and plan a day or time period for official judging: You are encouraged to incorporate your poster contest with other Fire Prevention activities (i.e. a visit from the local fire department) that encourage resident participation.
5. Participant certificates: Fill-in-the-blank certificates will be provided for every participant. If you need them for an awards presentation, please send quantity needed and date of presentation in advance. Allow a week to 10 days for processing and mailing.
6. Select a first, second, and third place winner for each age category: Please be sure that your participants and winners are residents of your PHA. (Section 8 residents are welcome to participate.)
7. Photograph winning artists with posters: Send the photos only, along with a list including artists’ names and addresses to Debbie Bower, Housing Authority Insurance Group, P.O. Box 189, Cheshire, CT  06410. Postmark all winning entries no later than November 16, 2007. Prizes will be delivered after photos and winner information has been received.
   

For more details, contact Debbie Bower at 800-873-0242, ext. 276, or send e-mail to dbower@housingcenter.com.