The 2026 Nebraska Severe Weather Awareness Poster Contest is officially underway. The contest is part of the annual Severe Weather Awareness Week put together by emergency management directors and coordinators across the state.
The poster contest is open to all third-grade students in Nebraska public, private, and home schools. Teachers are encouraged to have students participate while teaching them about hazards of severe weather in Nebraska.
Entries will be judged on originality, effort, and accuracy. The posters should include a clear preparedness and weather safety message. The slogan is as important as the art.
While tornadoes are a popular theme, posters can feature any severe weather common to the state, including floods, hail, blizzards, lightning, and wildfires.
Custer County teachers are encouraged to contact Emergency Manager Mark Rempe at (308) 872-3349 to assist in the selection of the “top three” entries from their school. All entries must be received by the local Emergency Management Director/Coordinator on or before February 6, 2026.
The first-place winner in the state contest wins a $125 gift card. The second-place winner receives a $100 gift card, the third-place winner receives a $75 gift card, and fourth-place receives a $50 gift card. The top four entries, along with eight Honorable Mentions, will be featured in the 2027 Nebraska Severe Weather Awareness Calendar.
Sponsors of the Poster Contest include the Nebraska Association of Emergency Management, National Weather Service, Nebraska National Guard, Nebraska Emergency Management Agency and League of Nebraska Municipalities.
Questions regarding the 2026 Severe Weather Awareness Poster Contest should be directed to Rempe or to Brian Woldt at (308) 324-2070, email [email protected]. Contest rules, entry requirements and other information can also be found on the Nebraska Association of Emergency Management website at www.naem.us or on the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency website at www.nema.nebraska.gov.
