GenTent at the NASFM Fire & Safety Symposium and NCOAA Safety Summit 

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to attend the 35th National Association of State Fire Marshals (NASFM) Fire & Safety Symposium and the 3rd Annual Northeast Carbon Monoxide Alliance (NCOAA) Safety Summit. I went on behalf of GenTent, who sponsored, attended, and exhibited at the event. As it was my first time at these events, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect, but I left feeling both inspired and energized by the incredible collaboration I witnessed among safety professionals, advocates, and innovators from across the country. 

From the moment I arrived, it was clear this was more than just a conference. It was a gathering of people united by a shared mission: preventing tragedies caused by fire and carbon monoxide (CO). I met Fire Marshals who dedicate their lives to protecting communities, researchers uncovering insights about CO exposure, and safety advocates determined to spread awareness about the “silent killer.” The passion amongst the speakers and attendees was contagious, and I felt grateful to be part of such a committed group. 

Collaboration at Its Best 

The NASFM Symposium congregates Fire Marshals from every state in the country for fire and life safety discussions. This year’s sessions in Biloxi, MS, covered everything from emerging fire risks to updates in building codes and safety standards. Meanwhile, the NCOAA Summit dove deep into the dangers of CO poisoning, especially within the intersections of age, gender, socioeconomics, and more. 

What struck me most was the collaborative spirit. No single organization can solve these challenges alone. But when public safety officials, health experts, product developers, and educators come together, the solutions become stronger and more effective. Seeing that collaboration in action was one of the most powerful aspects of the event for me. While I was at sessions for both NASFM and NCOAA, I was motivated to see individuals volunteering knowledge and assistance readily to others, whether that was fire marshals collaborating to combat emerging new wildfire patterns or CO organizations sharing tools with non-profits.  

Why GenTent Sponsors and Exhibits

While I was there to learn, I was also proud to share GenTent as a practical solution to two major risks: CO poisoning from running generators too close to the home, and fire or electrical hazards when generators are exposed to rain or snow. GenTent allows generators to run safely outside in all weather while limiting risk of CO, fire, or electrical hazards: a practical and life-saving solution for generator owners. 

It is an interesting juxtaposition representing a product company amidst safety experts and literal heroes. However, we consistently see value in attending to learn from these industry and lifesaving leaders, contribute our insights into educational efforts, and make meaningful connections with safety minded individuals. 

Being able to demonstrate the effective use of the GenTent products firsthand to fire marshals and safety officials was rewarding. Many of them immediately understood how it fits into the bigger picture of preparedness and prevention and spoke about their personal experiences with portable generator mishaps in their own jurisdictions. 

Lessons I Took Home

The sessions I attended left me with several important takeaways: 

• Risk varies by region. CO exposure spikes happen at different times in hurricane zones versus in snow-prone regions. Tailored messaging is crucial to target people at peak points of risk. 

• Awareness saves lives. Having standardized, non-contradictory messaging that can be pushed to the public is the easiest way to educate the public about fire and CO safety best practices.  

• Standards shape behavior. Standards don’t just guide enforcement—they influence how manufacturers build products and what is on the market for consumers to buy. 

• Public-private partnerships are everything. Progress depends on organizations working together, not in silos. 

Moving Forward

Walking away from NASFM and NCOAA Symposium, I felt not only more informed but deeply motivated. Events like these remind me why our work as a safety product company matters. They also reaffirm the importance of listening; whether to fire marshals on the front lines or to researchers studying risks in our communities. While we work on our individual missions, enhancing national safety is dependent on interorganizational collaboration. 

I’m grateful for the chance to have connected with so many passionate professionals, and I look forward to carrying these lessons into the work we do every day at GenTent. Together, with collaboration and innovation, we can make portable generator safety stronger and more effective across the country.