The Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI), part of UL Research Institutes, has convened a technical panel of subject matter experts to shape the future of the National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS). This initiative aims to enhance emergency preparedness and response capabilities by providing fire and emergency services with access to real-time data and advanced analytics, facilitating better decision-making in the face of various emergency situations.

Composed of individuals with expertise in fields ranging from emergency services to data science and technology integration, the panel is integral to the development of NERIS, which is poised to take the place of the existing National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS), which has seen minimal updates over several decades.

Under the leadership of FSRI's Principal Investigator Craig Weinschenk, the NERIS Technical Panel convened virtually on October 18, 2023, to commence their work. The session was marked by the presentation of a preliminary data framework for NERIS, an essential building block for the system's overall design.

This working group will continue to collaborate with the NERIS development team to fine-tune the data framework, ensuring it aligns with the fire service's changing requirements. The result will be a set of data protocols that not only streamline data entry directly into NERIS but also promote seamless integration with third-party systems, including Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) and Records Management Systems (RMS).

Accurate data capture of an emergency response isn't just a technological challenge; it's a human one. We need to blend technical expertise with real-world experience to design a tool that creates critical value for emergency responders. Our panel’s insights are pivotal in shaping NERIS so that it helps both the emergency responders and the public they serve.

-Craig Weinschenk, NERIS Principal Investigator

Technical Panel Roster for National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS)