The National Association of State Fire Marshals (NASFM) developed the Homelessness & Migrant Response Best Practices Training Program to help fire service leaders, state and local fire marshals, building and code officials, emergency managers, and community partners effectively address fire and life-safety risks associated with homelessness and migrant-related displacement.

This comprehensive program includes a 70-page best practices guide, a planning worksheet, and online training modules. Developed by subject matter experts from across the country, the program is designed to be practical, adaptable, and scalable for communities of all sizes.

Take the FREE 1–2 hour self-paced online training by following the steps below:

1. Click the course title link below to access the NASFM Training Portal.
2. Complete the registration form.
3. In the class selection section at the bottom of the registration page, select the class titled:
   

   Best Practices for Addressing Homelessness and Migrant Issues

Complete the registration by scrolling to the bottom of the page and clicking "Register." 

Complete the course, pass a short 10-question quiz, and finish a brief survey to receive your course completion certificate.

Please spread the word about this FREE training and materials. Invite others to participate.  

Need help / Have Questions?

Interested in hosting a more in-depth in-person training, becoming a course instructor, or accessing instructor materials?

Contact Gary West,
NASFM Deputy Chief

gary@browning.red

The training consists of three modules (approximately 20–30 minutes each), a guidance document, a planning worksheet, and a final exam. Most participants can complete the program in about one hour, depending on the amount of time spent reviewing the guidance document and supporting materials.

Call to Action: Addressing Homelessness Through Best Practices

• Take the online training to better understand fire and life-safety risks associated with homelessness and migrant-related displacement.

• Share the training statewide with professionals and partners who respond to, coordinate, or manage homelessness issues at both the state and local levels. These best practices are intended to be shared and will continue to evolve as awareness and experience grow.

• Use the guidance to strengthen coordinated, compassionate, and code-compliant response strategies within your community.

Why This Matters

• Homelessness and migrant displacement are expanding public safety challenges impacting communities nationwide.
• Jurisdictions are increasingly experiencing encampment fires, unsafe sheltering conditions, CO exposure risks, and high-liability incidents.
• A successful strategy requires interagency coordination and a balanced approach that protects life safety while maintaining dignity.