When NFIRS was created in the 1970s is was implemented as “paper forms”, and when it moved to electronic it became “batch files”.
Batch files (with multiple reports in a batch) were often created and uploaded once a month. Typically, fire departments would send these files to their state representative who would upload and validate the files, and let the fire department know the results. The inefficiencies and errors in this process were significant.
Export files would get lost in transfer, or forgotten in a queue, and never imported. Doing things “monthly” meant the reports would often be generated the night before, in a hurry, and with incomplete/bad data of a foggy memory. With a months delay, any state or NFIRS feedback on a report was disconnected for the incident, so feedback was ineffective.
If fire investigation led to addition information on fire cause, it often “missed the batch” and never got filed.
NERIS removes batch files, and allows realtime reporting, with easy updates for fire investigation final updates.
Did we send it? Did it arrive? Was it filed yet? It’s been weeks. When will it show up? Oh … I don’t know …
NERIS Reporting removes export file wrangling …
With the NERIS system, where Responserack Fire RMS can communicate directly to the NERIS system and receive immediate validation and feedback, there are many benefits:
NERIS real-time communications simplifies fire incident reporting, and dramatically improves the effectiveness of the whole reporting system.
Sign up to hear more from Responserack on Volunteer Fire Departments, USFA NERIS and USFA NFIRS.
Responserack provides services for volunteer fire departments; member information services, incident reporting, NFIRS and so much more.
