The transition from NFIRS to the National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS) is on every fire chief’s mind. While the official decommissioning of NFIRS is set for the end of 2025, many volunteer fire departments are in a holding pattern, waiting for an official invitation to begin their migration.
If that sounds like your department or a neighboring department, you don't have to wait.
Where is my NERIS invitation?
Getting the ball rolling is simpler than you might think. The single most effective step you can take is to reach out directly to the NERIS Help Desk. They can provide you with the information and credentials needed to get your department set up, or point you to the state/territory specific form or contact person.
When you contact them, be prepared to provide your department’s name, FDID (if you have one), and your contact information. Their team will guide you through the next steps.
It is not true that every department must wait for an invitation to start the NERIS onboarding process. While the transition is being managed in phases, with coordination with state fire marshall’s offices, the door is open for (most) departments to get started now. The NERIS team is ready and willing to help departments get onboard (or connect them with their state.)
If you don’t know if you have your invitation by now, it is most likely that your departments / chief’s email (or perhaps it is in their spam folder).
Search for an email with the subject “Welcome to NERIS” from the neris@ul.org sender email address.
Don’t wait to be asked to the dance. Take control of your department’s transition and (contact the NERIS Help Desk).
Here are some of the other speed bumps you might encounter.
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