As fire department leaders across the country already know, the deadline for NERIS compliance is Jan. 1, 2026. That sounds like a long way away. But, in the context of change management and implementing new technology, that date will arrive before you know.
As we've traveled to events in recent months, we've heard a lot of the same questions about the transition. To provide answers to those questions, and to support fire departments at various stages of the transition, we've created a set of frequently asked NERIS questions. See below to learn more, and contact us if you have any questions or need support for your transition.
What does NERIS-ready mean?
Fireproof Tech delivers an out-of-the-box integration with NERIS, leveraging real-time APIs to connect everywhere that NERIS allows. Fireproof’s data model matches the new incident types, response codes, etc. published by NERIS and includes tools to map legacy NFIRS incidents to the NERIS model, enabling historical trend analysis from NFIRS to NERIS.
What does AI-infused mean?
Fireproof Tech’s platform delivers AI features in a variety of ways, including chatbots using large language models to reduce the friction of creating incident reports and machine learning models that allow departments to accurately predict future incidents based on history. Fireproof’s chatbot, Chief, has several skills to make managing data easier, including building interactive reports that allow you to group/pivot/visualize data, get answers to open-ended question about your data, and more.
What is an RMS platform?
A Record Management System (RMS) platform is a solution that includes pre-built applications that can be quickly and safely customized to meet unique needs. With our no-code platform, your department can modify applications, data models, reports, dashboards, workflows, logic, and more — all without needing a technical resource. Also, platforms can be used to build new applications that replace spreadsheets or other point solutions. In a platform, rest-based APIs should be auto-generated for all objects, making integration to third-party systems a breeze.
What is NERIS Connect?
NERIS Connect is our solution that connects NFIRS incident data from your current RMS to the National Emergency Reporting Information System. NERIS Connect is ideal for departments that do not want to undertake a large, risky upgrade project or those that are using an RMS that will not be transitioning to the NERIS framework (such as Emergency Reporting).
Will all RMSs be making the required changes to support the transition to NERIS?
Not all RMSs will be updated to support the changes to their data models and/or integration methods. It’s important to ask your current vendor to show you their progress on the NERIS changes. If they cannot already demo to you progress toward becoming NERIS-ready, chances are they (and you) will miss the deadline. Ask tough questions about their transition plan and get an understanding of where your department falls in the timeline of your vendor upgrade of all departments using their software.
Where can I get support for the transition to NERIS?
The shift from NFIRS to NERIS is going to require significant work for departments and training for team members ahead of the deadline. At Fireline, we offer a NERIS Connect platform that automates and streamlines the process, significantly reducing the amount of work and volume of training for your team. Even if you love your RMS platform, NERIS Connect helps map old incident and data and codes from NFIRS to the new NERIS system.
Interested in automating and accelerating your transition to NERIS? Schedule time to chat with one of our experts.
What does it mean for a fire chief to be NERIS-ready?
Being NERIS-ready means a fire chief is equipped to use the National Emergency Response Information System effectively across six critical areas: operational familiarity, technical preparedness, team training and adoption, compliance and data management, communication and collaboration, and strategic leadership. It ensures the chief can manage incidents in real-time, integrate systems, train their team, comply with standards, coordinate with other agencies, and use data to drive proactive planning and decision-making.
What does it mean for an Records Management System to be NERIS-ready?
For a Records Management System (RMS) to be NERIS-ready, it must be fully compatible with the National Emergency Response Information System, enabling seamless data integration and communication. This includes supporting standardized data formats, facilitating real-time updates, and ensuring interoperability with other systems like CAD (Computer-Aided Dispatch) and GIS (Geographic Information Systems). If your RMS vendor can't show you a NERIS integration, they are not NERIS-ready.
What does it mean for an IT analyst to be NERIS-ready?
For an IT analyst to be NERIS-ready, they must deeply understand the system’s data model, including how it aligns with or differs from existing organizational systems. This involves identifying and addressing gaps in data structures, ensuring seamless integration of requirements, and adapting workflows to support NERIS functionalities.