LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The Lake County Fire Safe Council is partnering with Big Valley Rancheria, NCO EPIC and Listos California to host a collaborative competition combining disaster preparedness concepts and social media known as Ready-Set-Film!

The Ready-Set-Film! Competition is focused on engaging Lake County youth to translate Listos California's core disaster preparedness education into relatable and accessible two-minute videos to be posted on social media platforms.

The competition raises awareness promoting emergency preparedness while also serving as a socially-distanced activity in the wake of an on-going pandemic.

“Lake County is no stranger to all sorts of emergency situations,” said Laurie Hutchison, coordinator at Lake County Fire Safe Council. “Wildfires, earthquakes, this pandemic ... the more prepared we are at the individual level, the better it is for all of us to adapt and be ready for the grand scheme of things.”

Submissions will be judged by originality, creativity, message clarity, and how well participants are able to translate the five steps of emergency preparedness in their videos: (1) stay informed and sign up for alerts, (2) prepare a plan to protect your people, (3) be ready to evacuate with the things you need, (4) make arrangements to be safe at home in case you can’t leave, and (5) help your friends and neighbors get ready.

Extra points are awarded to additional engagements received, multi-platform posts, and bilingual or multilingual messages to encourage community involvement and cultural inclusivity and visibility on a digital level.

“We want to make sure everyone’s on the same page when it comes to emergency preparedness,” said Tammy Alakszay, Lake County Program coordinator of NCO EPIC, an abbreviation for North Coast Opportunities - Emergency Preparedness in Communities. “Especially the youth in our community – they’re our future.”

Up to four winners will be chosen based on the highest number of points received. Winning entries will be featured on social media with prizes ranging from $50 to $500 total in cash prizes.

The first 300 applicants will receive a go-bag starter pack after submitting an eligible application.

The application entry form is now open for Ready-Set-Film!

Interested contestants should complete their application entry form before March 31 at 11:59 p.m.

Contestants should submit their final videos for review by April 10 at 11:59 p.m.

Contestants are encouraged to apply with the application entry form ahead of time. Application entry forms received early are eligible to receive a prize, while supplies last, and can start earning engagement points for video submissions.

For more information or inquiries regarding the Ready-Set-Film! Competition, please contact email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit www.firesafelake.org/contest/ to review competition guidelines.

NCO is the Community Action Agency that serves Lake and Mendocino counties, as well as parts of Humboldt, Sonoma, Del Norte and Solano counties.

NCO reacts and adjusts to community needs, including disaster response and recovery.

For more information visit www.ncoinc.org or call 707-467-3200.