The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) is leading a national effort to develop and launch a new interoperable fire information and innovative analytics platform, known as the National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS).
NERIS will empower the fire and emergency services community by equipping them with an empirical basis for decision-making. It will provide the community with reliable predictive analytics to support enhanced preparedness and response to all-hazard incidents, wildland urban interface events, community risk reduction efforts, climate change threats and associated resilience and mitigation efforts, and future pandemic emergency response resource preparedness.
Modernizing the U.S. Fire Data System:
Media releases
NERIS Core Data Schemas Beta Release
The Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI), part of UL Research Institutes, is proud to announce the Beta release of the NERIS Core Data Schemas. This effort, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate (DHS S&T), and USFA, is an essential step in modernizing fire and emergency services data systems. The Beta will structure the new NERIS platform, facilitate integrations, and drive informed decision-making across the sector.
Available resources:
- Executive Guide: Overview and guidance for leaders and stakeholders.
- Spreadsheets: Illustrates data collection and integration upgrades for analysts.
- Technical Specifications: Comprehensive documentation for developers.
NERIS Data Framework and Development Update
On May 2, the U.S. Fire Administrator, Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell with UL's Fire Safety Research Institute Vice President & Executive Director, Steve Kerber, UL's Fire Safety Research Institute's Research Manager, Tom Jenkins, West Metro Fire and Rescue (CO) Chief, Don Lombardi and Fairfax Bounty Fire and Rescue (VA) and the President of the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) Chief John Butler hosted the NERIS Data Framework and Development Update webinar.
The webinar shared the latest NERIS developments and explored how USFA and FSRI are moving towards a modernized approach in managing emergency response data and analytics across the nation.
- Learn about the latest progress and next steps for NERIS
- Explore the newly launched beta version of the Core Data Schemas
- Hear first-hand insights from Fire Chiefs testing the prototype version
Understanding the Proposed NERIS Data Framework
On Dec. 14, the U.S. Fire Administrator with U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Science and Technology and UL’s Fire Safety Research Institute will presented a deep dive into the proposed NERIS data framework.
An Introduction to NERIS
On July 13, the U.S. Fire Administrator, Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell with U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Science and Technology Directorate's Senior Science Advisor, Dr. David Alexander, UL's Fire Safety Research Institute Vice President & Executive Director, Dr. Steve Kerber and Philadelphia Fire Commissioner, Adam Thiel hosted the Modernizing the U.S. Fire Data System: An Introduction to NERIS webinar.
The webinar provided a virtual discussion about the vision, purpose and impact of the new NERIS.
Answers to your NERIS questions
Basics: Overview and Transition
Addresses key introductory information about NERIS, the timing of its rollout, and what will happen to the existing NFIRS system. It serves as the foundation for understanding the system's objectives and transition plans.
Access and User Experience (UX): Accessibility and Interface
Covers who can access the NERIS system, how to input data, and the security measures in place. Includes details about the user dashboard and discusses analytics features.
Data: Framework, Compatibility, Uses, and Security
Focuses on the data standards that NERIS adheres to, including compatibility with NEMSIS, CAD, and other data input formats. Discusses important utilities, ownership, and security protocols.
Third-Party Integration: Vendor and External System Interactions
Examines how NERIS interacts with third-party vendors and systems. Discusses the requirements, limitations, and opportunities for integration with external platforms.
Stakeholder Engagement: Community and Collaboration
Outlines the strategies for engaging with stakeholders, including fire departments, governmental bodies, and other interested parties. Emphasizes communication, feedback, training, and collaborative decision-making.
Relationships: NERIS, USFA, and FSRI
Describes the relationship between NERIS, the United States Fire Administration (USFA) and the Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI), and details FSRI's role in system development, implementation, and data analysis.
Have a question or need more information? Please email the NERIS Information Desk.