NERIS Transition FAQ: Everything You Need to Know

As agencies across the United States transition to the National Emergency Reporting Information System (NERIS), First Due is here to make the process seamless and straightforward. In this FAQ, we answer your most pressing questions about how First Due supports customers through this change, what to expect, and how best to prepare for a successful transition to NERIS.

How will the transition to NERIS work?  

First Due simplifies the transition to NERIS by handling the entire process for you—no action is required on your part. Switching to NERIS is as easy as toggling a switch in settings. Once enabled, the NFIRS form automatically updates to the NERIS form.  

So what is changing?  

There’s very little change to your workflow. You’ll still access the same lists and pages to start a report, and your CAD integrations will function as usual. The main difference is that the form will now feature NERIS data fields instead of NFIRS, with all required validations seamlessly built into the form.   

How does data make its way to NERIS?  

Once an incident report is completed and authorized, it will automatically be submitted to NERIS via the NERIS API, which is already integrated with First Due.   

How do I get started with the move to NERIS?  

The move to NERIS for First Due customers will be straightforward. Below is a timeline of what to expect:  

• Within the next 60-90 days, First Due will send an email informing users that the ability to transition is open. Once you are ready to make the move, follow the instructions in the email to turn on NERIS in your test account.  

• Once you have tested and trained your crews on the new form, you simply flip the switch to turn on NERIS in your settings.

What is the deadline to move?  

The deadline to deprecate the NFIRS form is January 1, 2026, at which point customers will transition to NERIS. However, we anticipate exceptions and adjustments to this timeline may arise throughout 2025.  

Will my historic reporting be impacted?  

No, all your historical reports for NFIRS incidents will remain accessible. First Due is working to map as many data fields as possible between NFIRS and NERIS so you can continue to access the same reports as before, with only a few exceptions.  

What can agencies do to prepare for the transition?  

First Due will provide support to ensure a smooth and straightforward process. The best way agencies can prepare is to train crews in new data validation rules and the updated fields in the NERIS-compliant form. This can be done once turned on in your test environment.  

Is it necessary to join the NERIS Beta Program?  

No, First Due customers do not need to join the NERIS Beta Program.  

The beta program is intended only for agencies that plan to input data directly into NERIS using the NERIS form. Since First Due customers will continue entering data through the First Due platform, there is no need to participate in the beta program.

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At First Due, we are dedicated to ensuring the transition to NERIS is successful for all our customers. We are committed to providing a seamless transition full of training and support as you progress with NERIS. This is an exciting opportunity to enhance fire service data collection and reporting. We look forward to partnering with you as we take this step together.

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