Austin council recognizes students selected for 2026 Emergency Preparedness Calendar

At the Jan. 2, 2026 meeting, Council member Vanessa Fuentes announced that 13 students from kindergarten through eighth grade in Central Texas were selected for the 2026 Austin Emergency Management Preparedness Calendar.

"We are so proud to be celebrating 13 incredibly talented young artists who are receiving the distinguished service award," Fuentes said, describing the contest as a way to start conversations about emergency preparedness for children and families.

Jim Redick, director of Austin Emergency Management, said he had met some of the young artists and praised their knowledge of hazards. "They're very smart and they're very talented," Redick said, noting the calendar’s role in keeping preparedness fresh for families ahead of winter weather and other threats.

Fuentes said the contest was open to students who live or attend school anywhere in Central Texas, regardless of school type, and that the city selected one artist for each month plus a cover. She listed the winners by name and said many honorable‑mention submissions are featured on the calendar’s back pages.

The calendars are free and available at Austin Public Library branches and in Fuentes’s District 2 office while supplies last; Fuentes encouraged residents to pick up a copy to help their families build year‑round preparedness habits.

The presentation concluded with distribution of preparedness kits, trophies and a group photo with the young artists.