SFMO Video Contest Urges Tennesseans to “Close The Door”

NASHVILLE – For the third consecutive year, the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) is inviting residents to have a seat in the director’s chair and use their creativity in order to win the SFMO’s video contest.

The first two years of the Fire Prevention Video Contest reached thousands of Tennesseans with life-saving messages on fire prevention and safety. This year, the SFMO aims to spread a simple but critical fire safety message: Closing your bedroom door at night could save your life in the event of a house fire.

“The annual Fire Prevention Video Contest is a unique way to tap into the creativity of Tennesseans and spread the message of fire prevention,” said Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance (TDCI) Commissioner and State Fire Marshal Julie Mix McPeak.  “We’re challenging Tennesseans to help us spread the life-saving message of ‘Close the Door’ by showing off their ingenuity and creativity. We’re looking forward to some great entries and an exciting competition.”

Prizes include a $500 check for first place and a $250 check for second place. All prizes were generously donated by Knox Company, who partners with the SFMO to spread the life-saving message of “Close the Door”. The contest concludes on Nov. 30, 2018.

The contest is open to Tennessee residents of all ages; however participants 18 years and younger must submit written parent or guardian approval. Both individuals and groups (including families, classes, senior groups, fire departments and more) are eligible to submit entries. The videos must explore the fire safety topic of “Close the Door”, be well researched, not demonstrate risky or unsafe behavior, and be both educational and entertaining.

New to the contest this year, judging will take place on Facebook. Videos that meet the contest qualifications will be posted to the official Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance Facebook page. The videos that receive the most positive interactions on the Department’s Facebook page will be the winners.

Entries must be submitted by Nov. 30, 2018 to be considered for prizes. Contest judging will be held from Dec. 10 through Dec. 31. Winners will be announced in early 2019.

For more information on the contest details, to download an entry form, or to view contest eligibility and official rules, visit tn.gov/firecontest. For more information on the Close the Door program, visit knoxhomebox.com.

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