Fire Safety Poster Contest Open to Elementary School Students

The Columbia Fire Department is inviting students in the fourth and fifth grades to participate in its fire safety poster contest in an effort to reinforce the importance of fire safety.

Fire Prevention Week is held Oct. 7-13 and this year's theme is “Have 2 Ways Out," which encourages families to prepare a home fire escape plan, especially one that has two ways out in case the first escape route is blocked.

The purpose of the contest is to identify those individuals who have demonstrated an understanding of the issues related to fire safety education and have an ability to visually portray that knowledge, according to a release.

The contest is open to students in fourth and fifth grades in Richland County School Districts 1 and 2, Lexington-Richland School District 5 and local private schools.

Four winners will be chosen — one from each school district and one from the combined private schools.

For winning the contest, students will receive a plaque and have a chance to ride in the 2012 Fire Prevention Parade on Monday, Oct. 8.

The winners will also be recognized by the department at a luncheon held after the parade and will receive a pizza party with their class.

Contestants must follow the contest rules for their entry to be considered. See the attached PDF for rules.

To participate, drop off posters at the Columbia Fire Department, 1800 Laurel Street, by 5 p.m. on Sept. 28.

For more information, contact the Fire Prevention Bureau at 803-545-3701.