Fire Department Announces Winners for 'Safety' Contest

's Prevention Specialist Nanette Tatom announced the winners for its annual "Safety is No Accident" contest.

It teamed up with , Safe Kids Pierce County and the Gig Harbor Firefighters Association to award the best public awareness campaign pieces that helped increase the community's awareness regarding injury prevention. 

Out of the 225 entries submitted for the contest, Tova Beck from took home the first prize for her creative poster. It portrays Puget Sound sea creatures donning life jackets with the caption: “Sound Advice” Wear a Life Jacket. According to Tatom, Tova was inspired by the fact that she is a kayaker and always wears her life jacket as she paddles around the Gig Harbor waters viewing the incredible sea life. 

Clay and Jake Blalock from won second prize for their helmet safety video entry, which included his whole family.

Julia Bruno from created a poster with a photo of her and her neighborhood friends.

Teresa Butler’s third and fourth-grade class at won the teacher prize for their texting and driving video.

According to the release, accidents happen all to often. In fact, they are the leading cause of death for kids 14 and under.

"Injuries are not 'accidents', and we can prevent them from happening," said Tatom. "Taking actions such as wearing a seatbelt, properly installing and using child safety seats, wearing a helmet and storing cleaning supplies in locked cabinets are important ways to proactively promote safety and prevent injuries."