A Small Victory: civil defense poster contest

(No, I didn't forget about the Valentine's poem contest. You have until tonight to enter)

This post from Astonished Head reminded me of the civil defense saftey posters and pamphlets from they heyday of the cold war.

I think people might be better prepared and less frightened if the goverment put out a series of guides, posters and short films to help us through our Orange Alert and into the Red Alert days which are surely coming.

Of course, they would need a mascot or other identifiable character to make the guides appealing to all, even children. The mascot could even show up at schools, sporting events and supermarket openings. We'd always be reminded of our need to stay vigilant while also being prodded to take the necessary precautions for a time like this.

Yes, someone like this.

No, no. Cuddly won't do. We need something scary. Something hard. A face that will force us to sit up, pay attention and take this whole alert thing seriously.

(original poster by Charlotte Angus)

So here's where you come in. Using old civil defense posters and photos of Rumsfeld, make your own "be prepared" poster, pamphlet cover or whatever else floats your boat.

I'll post them as I receive them and then I'll make a gallery of the best entries. Who knows, maybe your poster will end up in the hallway of a school right next to the fallout shelter sign!

civil defense posters
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There are a lot more out there, just google.

Please identify and send me a link to the original artwork that you use so the artist can be credited.

Have fun and stay alert!