JAY — An essay contest for Jay students in grades five and eight seeks student ideas on preparing their homes for emergencies, Noel Brown, Jay Emergency Management Agency director, said.

The contest, sponsored by Jay Fire and Rescue, is held in observance of September’s designation by President Barack Obama as National Preparedness Month.

Each grade will be judged separately and each of the two winners will receive a hand-held NOAA alert weather band radio with flashlight that operates on battery or by crank. The winning essays will also be placed on the department’s website, www.jayfirerescue.com, for the community to see.

The winners will be announced during the department’s open house in October.

Students are asked to focus their essays on an emergency situation and how to better prepare their family for an emergency, Brown said. The essay can include tips for creating emergency supply kits, becoming more knowledgeable about first aid or developing a better awareness for severe weather conditions or other topics.

Essays must be mailed to the Jay Town Office, Attn: Noel Brown, NPM Essay, at 340 Main St., Jay, ME 04239. The essay deadline is Sept. 25.