Poster Contest

Tennessee State Fire Marshal's Poster Contest Rules

This year, Fire Prevention Week takes place from October 5th to the 11th. The Tennessee State Fire Marshal's Office (SFMO) is hosting its annual Fire Prevention Poster Contest to commemorate Fire Prevention Week. As in years past, the contest will be completely virtual!

The National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) reminds us that this year’s theme, “Charge into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home,” works to educate everyone about using these batteries safely. The campaign emphasizes the importance of buying, charging, and recycling lithium-ion batteries safely. Video Link: https://youtu.be/9lpCIUjVFMc

Lithium-ion batteries store a significant amount of energy in a relatively small space. These batteries can overheat, start a fire, or explode if overcharged or damaged. By learning how to BUY, CHARGE, and RECYCLE these batteries safely, you can help prevent a fire in your home.

Today’s homes burn faster than ever. You may have as little as two minutes (or even less time) to safely escape a home fire from the time the smoke alarm sounds. Your ability to escape a home during a fire depends on early warning from smoke alarms and advance planning.

The State Fire Marshal's Office poster contest is open to all Tennessee students in kindergarten through 12^th grade. 

Before entering the contest, please carefully read the instructions and rules below.

1. The poster contest is open to all students in kindergarten through 12th Grade.  A total of 14 winners will be chosen, including the Commissioner’s Award. Students are encouraged to submit their entry through their local fire department and submit their artwork directly to the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO). 
2. Posters must be submitted as a file upload through the online registration form. Accepted file types include PNG, JPG, BMP, and GIF. Please ensure the picture of the submitted poster is clear. All entries submitted to the state MUST have a completed registration form accompanying the poster submission. The registration form and submission link can be found here.
3. Registration forms and posters must be submitted through the link above to be considered for judging. 
   
4. State judging will be held in September, and winners will be notified soon thereafter. A list of winners and pictures of the winning posters will be posted on the State Fire Marshal’s website. Each winner will receive a Certificate of Achievement from State Fire Marshal Commissioner Carter Lawrence, a check for $50, a prize bag, and an invitation to an awards event scheduled for November 8, 2025, in Nashville.

Posters must be original work of the students, and entries should reflect the NFPA’s Fire Prevention Week theme: “Charge into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home.” You can find information on the theme here.

If you have questions, please contact Community Risk Reduction Coordinator John Perry at john.perry@tn.gov.

615-854-3179

Important Dates to Remember: