ANAHEIM, CA - (September 19, 2011) - Teaching students to be prepared in advance of an emergency is this year’s theme of Anaheim’s Hi Neighbor National Preparedness Month Poster Contest.  September is National Preparedness Month, a nationwide effort sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Ready Campaign.  Each year Anaheim recognizes Preparedness Month by instituting a poster contest open to young Anaheim residents.

In working with Anaheim school districts, elementary students in grades 1-6 are invited to submit a poster on what it means to them to "prepare your neighborhood for an emergency," and to generate awareness about the importance of neighbors helping neighbors, not only in times of need, but also to build the bonds of community and friendship.

Winners will receive four tickets to an Anaheim Ducks game, recognition at the City Council meeting on Tuesday, October 25 and will be featured on Anaheim's website and Facebook page.   Complete details on the poster contest can be found at www.anaheim.net/neighbor.

Anaheim Mayor Tom Tait introduced the Hi Neighbor initiative in June of this year as a way for residents to make personal connections which are vital to vibrant, safe and resilient communities.  As part of his Freedom and Kindness agenda, Mayor Tait’s Hi Neighbor initiative is based upon the fundamental principle of neighbors helping neighbors, both to show acts of kindness as well as assisting our neighbors in times of need.

"I encourage Anaheim residents and Anaheim businesses to challenge themselves to get to know their neighbors," said Mayor Tait when he introduced the Hi Neighbor initiative.  "Knowing our neighbors and creating a sense of community might start with a simple greeting, a barbeque, and grow from there.  The Hi Neighbor initiative will also help us develop a stronger network for community policing and emergency preparedness.  Great neighborhoods make great cities, and together we can make Anaheim even greater."

For more information on the Hi Neighbor initiative as well as the poster contest, please visit www.anaheim.net/neighbor.

Media Contact: Ruth Ruiz 714.765.5060more city news

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ABOUT ANAHEIM – The City of Anaheim, founded in 1857, is one of the nation's premier municipalities and is one of California's most populous cities. Anaheim covers 50 square miles with more than 343,000 residents and more than 2,950 City employees. The municipal corporation's annual budget is $1.5 billion. Anaheim supports a thriving business community with companies such as Carl Karcher Enterprises, Inc., L-3 Communications, Pacific Sunwear, and Disneyland Resort. Successful sports franchises call Anaheim home, including Angels Baseball, Anaheim Ducks, the U.S. Men's National Volleyball Team, the 2012 Olympic Games Silver Medal winning U.S. Women's National Volleyball Team, and the Professional Arena Soccer League Anaheim Bolts. Anaheim also boasts world-class meeting and entertainment venues with the Anaheim Convention Center, LEED-certified and the largest on the west coast, Honda Center, City National Grove of Anaheim, Anaheim GardenWalk, and Angel Stadium of Anaheim. In addition, Anaheim embraces its vibrant cultural arts community, including the world-renowned Anaheim Ballet. Annually, Anaheim welcomes millions of visitors to the city, truly making it where the world comes to live, work and play. For more information, please visit www.anaheim.net.

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