2026 Nebraska Severe Weather Awareness Poster Contest 

The 2026 Nebraska Severe Weather Awareness Poster Contest is officially underway. This annual event is part of Severe Weather Awareness Week, organized by Emergency Management Directors and Coordinators across Nebraska. The contest is sponsored by Nebraska Association of Emergency Management, National Weather Service, Nebraska National Guard, Nebraska Emergency Management Agency and League of Nebraska Municipalities.

The contest is open to all third-grade students in Nebraska public, private and home schools. Teachers are encouraged to incorporate the contest into lessons about Nebraska’s severe weather. While tornadoes are a popular theme, posters can feature any severe weather common to the state, including floods, hail, blizzards, lightning and wildfires.

First place will receive a $125 gift card sponsored by Nebraska Association of Emergency Management (NAEM). Second place receives a $100 gift card sponsored by League of Nebraska Municipalities. Third place receives a $75 gift card, and fourth place a $50 gift card—both sponsored by NAEM. The top four winners, along with eight Honorable Mentions, will be featured in the 2027 Nebraska Severe Weather Awareness Calendar.

Contest rules are as follows:

The contest is open to third-grade students enrolled in any Nebraska public, private or home school.
Posters must focus on severe weather safety in Nebraska and include a clear preparedness or weather safety message. Entries will be judged on originality, effort and accuracy. The slogan is just as important as the artwork.

Entry Guidelines:
a.         Poster size must be 11”x 17” white paper.
b.         A 1-inch border must be left blank on all sides (no artwork or text), to allow for matting.
c.         Any medium may be used, but glitter is not allowed.
d.         Only one entry per student. No joint or group submissions will be accepted.
e.         Posters that do not follow these guidelines will be disqualified from placing in the top 4.

All entries must be received by your local Emergency Management Director or Coordinator no later than February 6, 2026. Visit www.naem.us or nema.nebraska.gov for contact information. Please allow enough time for mailed entries to arrive.

Teachers are encouraged to contact their local Emergency Management Director to help select the top three entries from their school. If the local contact is unknown or unavailable, reach out to Brian Woldt, Poster Contest Chairman, at 308-324-2070.

First, second, third and fourth place winners will be notified by phone or mail. The top four winners and their families will be invited to an award ceremony at the Nebraska State Capitol in March, where they will be recognized by Governor Jim Pillen.

If you have any questions, contact your local Emergency Management Director or reach out to Brian Woldt at 308-324-2070 or [email protected].

More information and official contest rules can be found at www.naem.us or nema.nebraska.gov. Judging will be conducted by representatives from the contest’s sponsoring organizations.