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What is NERIS?
NERIS (National Emergency Response Information System) will replace NFIRS (National Fire Incident Reporting System) as the national fire incident reporting system. It is a secure, cloud-based platform that integrates external data sources to augment baseline incident data. NERIS enables local fire and emergency service agencies to access and utilize their own data, in near real-time, to inform mission-critical decisions.
“Our ongoing mission is to ensure NERIS not only meets the current needs of the fire service community, but also adapts to the future demands as fire ground operations evolve,” said Dr. Steve Kerber, Vice President and Executive Director at FSRI, during their webinar update.
NERIS Key Benefits & Features
- Comprehensive Reporting: NERIS allows the selection of up to three incident types per emergency, providing a more detailed and accurate depiction of complex scenarios.
- Modernized Actions and Tactics: Improved data on fire suppression, ventilation, search and rescue, and contamination reduction.
- Emerging Hazards Module: A dynamic module to address unforeseen threats, supporting the all-hazards approach.
- Enhanced Exposure Tracking: Streamlined data entry for exposure information, aiding in better understanding of fire incidents.
- Real-Time Data Access: Reduced time entry burden and near real-time data availability for stakeholders.
- Modular and Adaptable Design: NERIS evolves with changing risks and community characteristics.
- GIS and Location-Based Data: Emphasizes the “where” of incident response for improved risk assessment and performance analysis.
- Relevant Metrics for Decision-Makers: Gathers crucial data to support informed decision-making at the local level.
Why is NERIS replacing NFIRS?
Updating NFIRS was necessary to achieve modernization, improve data accuracy, and enhance decision-making capabilities in reporting. NERIS emerged as a solution to these challenges, conceived from an extensive, collaborative effort involving technical experts, industry leaders, and interagency partners. Features of NERIS include:
- Cloud-based
- Near real-time data is possible
- Data submission by API
- Interoperability via API
What is the timeline for the transition from NFIRS to NERIS?
2024
- Release Beta Schemas
- Complete Prototype system and evaluation with 6 Beta departments
- Onboard 50 Beta departments
- Beta Schemas to be frozen 11/4/2024
2025
- NERIS will onboard additional agencies
- Will be a “hybrid” reporting year where both NFIRS and NERIS records will
be accepted by FEMA - NFIRS Server to be decommissioned 12/31/2025
2026
- 1/1/2026 - Only NERIS reporting will be accepted by FEMA
What is the timeline for ImageTrend development and implementation to NERIS?
2024
- Developing integration for NERIS
2025 1H
- Q1 integration for NERIS Core datasets completed
- Entity
- Incident
- Q2 integration for NERIS secondary datasets completed
- Incident Analysis (currently known as Fire Investigations)
- Community Risk Reduction (currently known as Inspections)
- Health and Wellness (currently known as Personal Exposures)
- Start onboarding key clients:
- Onboard NERIS Beta Agencies
- Onboard 13 Fire Repository States
- Onboard AA Fire Clients
- CORE sites
- Q3 Transition
- Onboard one Letter group each month for the remainder of the year
2025 2H
- Continued enhancements based on NERIS Updates and Field feedback
2026
- Continued enhancements based on NERIS Updates & Field feedback
- 1/1/2026 - NERIS live
What does the transition mean for ImageTrend Fire customers?
When can my agency transition to NERIS?
This is the plan as of today:
- Agency must be selected by NERIS to be a BETA agency.
- ImageTrend will transition NERIS BETA agencies starting in Q2 2025.
- There will be a sign-up process for agencies to choose when to transition.
Will Elite Fire agencies receive training?
Yes, training will be available in Q1 2025, including:
- Step-by-step guide in University
- Recorded videos - how to configure
- Live monthly webinars
What can my agency do to prepare for this transition today?
- Data Validation:
- Verify Users list
- Vehicles
- Agency Locations
- Select headquarters
- Review Current Usage:
- Create list of reports currently used
- Create list of used Supplemental Questions
- Create list of agency-specific Validation & Visibility Rules
Will there be a cost to transition to NERIS from ImageTrend?
There will be no charge to transition to NERIS from ImageTrend. There will be an optional offering for purchase of a 4-hour program consisting of two 2-hour webinars. The sessions will guide clients through the NERIS transition process and outline the steps they need to take.
Will ImageTrend support Plus 1 codes with NERIS?
Yes
Will ImageTrend support custom fields with NERIS?
Yes
Will there be continuity in reporting between NFIRS and NERIS?
ImageTrend will provide continuity in reporting where available.
Will it be possible for agencies to report to states?
Yes
Will it be possible for States to retrieve Direct Entry data from NERIS?
Yes
