(AP) — Nebraska residents are receiving state recognition for their emergency preparedness and response efforts.

Lt. Gov. Lavon Heidemann on Friday announced the winners of this year’s “Be Prepared,” awards. The awards are given to volunteers and community groups. They’re sponsored by the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency and the University of Nebraska Public Policy Center.

Heidemann says this year’s winners provided educational training and support to community volunteers to help them respond to emergencies.

The Excellence in Risk Communication award went to LincUP of North Platte

The Citizen Corp Council of the year award was presented to Hall County Citizen Corps of Grand Island

The 2013 Local Hero Award was given to Elaine Frasier and the Citizens of Dundee County.

The Excellence in Community Preparedness award was presented to Denise Kollath of Columbus.

The Citizens Corps Partner Program of the year was presented to Central Nebraska Medical Reserve Corps of Hastings.

The Citizen Corps Volunteer of the year award went to Patti Motl of Omaha

The Excellence in Preparedness Education and Outreach award went to Larry Mattson of Funk.