The National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS) remains on track to be active by Q1 of 2025. On May 2, 2024, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Fire Safety Research Institute, and USFA hosted an informational webinar, "Modernizing the U.S. Fire Data System: NERIS Data Framework and Development Update," to inform departments on the progress being made on NERIS and the timeline to expect. In case you missed it, here’s a recap.
NERIS is a modernized emergency response information system designed to consolidate data standards across the industry. It will help departments meet their individual complex needs and provide quick, efficient access to their data. It’s the biggest leap forward the emergency response standard has taken in the last half-century and is set to transform how fire data is used across the nation.
“The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) is leading the development of a new core data standard (or specification) to serve as the foundation for the National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS) platform architecture and development. The new data standard will streamline required data collection while increasing interoperability and the ability to integrate appropriate external data sources to fulfill information needs." – USFA
“NERIS is not our system. It is your system.†– Chief Tom Jenkins, Senior Advisor & Research Manager, UL FSRI
NERIS will streamline processes and adopt a more user-friendly approach compared to NFIRS by leaving behind the numeric codes. It is designed to help close the loop for firefighters by giving back insights that help them better understand their risks and performance along with continuing to meet departments’ current and future needs as they evolve over time.
Like its predecessor, NERIS will still be used for reporting all types of incidents, including all key modules and fundamental incident elements, and any other information that is relevant to stakeholders. Departments’ participation will still be required for assistance to firefighter grant programs.
The NERIS release is currently on time and target. The focus for 2024 is the completion of prototype testing and evaluation along with development and launch. Phase 1 release of the beta data schema for developers to build the software was released on May 6, 2024, and Phase 2’s release is slated to happen later in Summer 2024.
2025 will see the continued development and the completion of Phases 2 and 3. Hybrid reporting will start in early 2025. The NFIRS decommissioning process will be completed by January 1, 2026, and all departments will transition to NERIS reporting.
“Now is the time to get NERIS ready!†– Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell, U.S. Fire Administrator, U.S. Fire Administration
Station Boss is committed to supporting you every step of the way during the transition to NERIS. In addition to providing the required data, we will also assist in enhancing your existing data. To ensure you have the best possible experience with NERIS, Station Boss has spent the past year preparing for this migration and working with UL FSRI to support our customers throughout this transition, from onboarding data collection to addressing data reporting needs from your current system. During the transition, your agency will need to start gathering information on station locations as well as details regarding your unit’s capabilities, minimum staffing levels, and cross-staffing arrangements.
The Station Boss team will ensure users have access to ample training content and documentation to assist with this transition. The Fire Safety Research Institute will be producing LMS content related to NERIS. Courses will be provided at the National Fire Academy as well as regional fire academies throughout the United States.
For more information on getting prepared for the transition to NERIS, head to USFA NERIS Information.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to work closely with the NERIS team to make this transition as smooth as possible for all our users.