NERIS Transition FAQ: Everything You Need to Know

As fire and emergency services agencies across the United States prepare for the transition to the National Emergency Reporting Information System (NERIS), First Due offers a trusted solution, designed to make this critical process seamless, efficient, and straightforward for departments of all sizes. This comprehensive guide addresses key questions about NERIS compliance, implementation timelines, and how First Due's innovative platform supports agencies throughout this significant industry change.
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NERIS Transition: How First Due Is Leading The Way in 2025

As fire service agencies nationwide prepare for this significant industry shift, First Due has developed a comprehensive, strategic approach to NERIS implementation. Here's how we're leading the emergency services industry through this critical transition:

March 2025 - Achieving NERIS V1 Compliance

First Due completed rigorous NERIS certification testing, demonstrating our commitment to compliance at the highest level. Our NERIS Certification badge represents our promise to fire and EMS agencies that our platform meets or exceeds all federal NERIS standards, ensuring your department's reporting needs are fully supported through this transition and beyond.

April 15, 2025 - Beta Testing Program

First Due believes in real-world validation with agencies like yours. Our exclusive beta testing program invites select departments to experience NERIS firsthand in a controlled environment. This collaborative approach allows us to refine our implementation based on responder feedback, making sure the system meets the needs of those using it in the field every day.  

May 1, 2025 - Expanded Test Environment Availability

Following our beta program, First Due will open NERIS testing to all agencies. This phased rollout demonstrates our methodical approach to this critical transition. First Due prioritizes your agency's operational continuity. Our testing environment provides users a risk-free space to explore and train on the new NERIS standards before committing to the transition in your live operating environment.

June 1 - December 31, 2025 - Flexible Full Implementation

Understanding that each agency has unique operational considerations, First Due offers a six-month window for production implementation. This flexibility allows departments to select the optimal transition timing based on their specific needs, training schedules, and operational demands. Throughout this process, our team handles the technical complexities, including system configuration and NERIS repository integration, allowing your personnel to focus on what matters most.
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How Does First Due Simplify the NERIS Transition?

When you choose First Due for your NERIS implementation, you gain a partner who handles the entire process with minimal requirements from your team. Our experienced specialists manage all technical aspects, from data mapping to system implementation. For agencies using our platform, switching to NERIS becomes as simple as activating a setting after your testing and training phase is complete. The system automatically updates from NFIRS to NERIS-compliant forms with all required validations seamlessly integrated.
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What Changes Will Your Agency Experience with NERIS?

Agencies using First Due experience minimal workflow disruption during the NERIS transition. Your team will continue to access familiar interfaces, lists, and reporting pages, and any existing CAD integrations will function without interruption. The primary difference will be updated data fields that comply with NERIS standards instead of NFIRS, with all required validations integrated. This seamless approach ensures your agency meets compliance requirements while maintaining operational efficiency.
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How First Due Handles NERIS Data Submission

First Due has established a direct integration with the NERIS API, creating a frictionless data submission process for all reports. When an incident report is completed and authorized within the First Due platform, it automatically transmits to the NERIS repository via a secure API connection. This eliminates manual exports, imports, or additional steps that might otherwise burden your team during this transition.
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Comprehensive Training Resources & Support for Agencies

When you partner with First Due for your NERIS transition, you gain access to an extensive suite of training resources specifically designed for emergency service agencies:

• Knowledge Base Articles (KBAs): Detailed documentation explaining new NERIS fields and conditional logic within an intuitive platform

• Video Tutorials: Comprehensive visual guides addressing common workflows and best practices for navigating NERIS requirements

• Live Webinars: Beginning in May 2025, expert trainers will host interactive sessions specifically for agencies using the First Due platform

• Dedicated Support: A specialized customer success team is available to answer questions throughout your transition, ensuring minimal disruption to operations
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Frequently Asked Questions About NERIS

What is the deadline to transition to NERIS?

The official deadline to deprecate the NFIRS form is January 1, 2026. All agencies must transition to NERIS by this date. First Due is prepared to help agencies meet this deadline with a structured implementation timeline throughout 2025.

Will historical reporting be impacted?

No, when transitioning with First Due, all historical NFIRS incident reports remain fully accessible. First Due has developed comprehensive data mapping between NFIRS, NERIS, and its database, ensuring continuity in reporting capabilities with only minimal exceptions.

What if my State Fire Office has specific NERIS requirements?

Recent communications from State Fire Offices regarding NERIS implementation timelines are being monitored by First Due. The platform is designed to meet all state-specific requirements and timelines, providing flexibility while maintaining compliance.

Should agencies join the NERIS Beta Program offered by USFA?

Agencies partnering with First Due do not need to join the separate NERIS Beta Program offered by USFA. The First Due platform handles all NERIS compliance requirements, allowing you to continue operations without needing direct NERIS access.
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How can agencies prepare for NERIS now?

The most effective preparation is to:

• Research solutions like First Due that offer comprehensive NERIS support

• Consider the benefits of platforms with beta testing opportunities

• Begin planning your department's training approach

• Start familiarizing leadership with NERIS data requirements

• Determine your preferred transition timeframe within the 2025 window
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Why Choose First Due for Your NERIS Transition

First Due stands as a premier NERIS-ready platform for fire and EMS agencies nationwide. Our comprehensive approach ensures:

• NERIS Certification: Full certification for NERIS compliance

• Seamless Integration: Direct API connection to the NERIS repository

• Data Continuity: Maintained access to historical reporting

• Minimal Disruption: Familiar interfaces with updated compliance

• Expert Support: Dedicated resources throughout your transition
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At First Due, we're committed to making your NERIS transition successful, providing industry-leading support and technology solutions that enhance fire service data collection and reporting capabilities. This transition represents an exciting opportunity to advance emergency services data management nationwide, and we invite you to explore how First Due can support your agency throughout this journey.

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