Reno Fire Prevention Will Modernize Inspections, Reporting
A new program that allows fire inspectors to input inspection information into laptop computers in the field and immediately review past records was approved by the Reno City Council.
A new program that will allow fire inspectors to input inspection information into laptop computers in the field and immediately review past inspection and related records on properties was approved by the Reno City Council Wednesday.
The Council approved purchase of the Fire Prevention Mobile Inspection Program from Zoll Data Systems, Inc. for $36,600.00 and purchase of 14 laptop computers for fire inspectors for $23,537.94 from GovConnection, Inc. through joinder bid provisions using existing contracts under the Western states Contract Alliance with other government entities under Nevada statutes.
The Reno Fire Department's Division of Fire Prevention has been testing the program for the past two years after reviewing the capabilities of other systems with personnel from the city's Department of Information and Technology.
The new system is expected to result in more time in the field for inspectors and other personnel and less time in the office. It will provide real time data for business fire prevention, target hazard and other inspection and permit activities conducted by the Division of Fire Prevention and will give fire prevention personnel immediate access in the field to past records in order to provide accurate information to customers. Fire Prevention personnel have been recording inspection and other information at the end of the day, and often have to rely on memory or copies of past inspection reports when conducting inspections in the field. Immediate access to building or site history, diagrams, inspection and related activities will help facilitate new inspectors or rotation of inspectors at different properties. And, the new system will also give fire prevention personnel access to fire and other codes as well as email capability with plans examiners and others with code expertise within the Division.
The new portable system is expected to eliminate the need for triplicate forms and various other paper forms currently used, and eliminate redundancy. The system is compatible with other software in use by the Reno Fire Department which will also assist in faster information retrieval.
The new system is expected to be implemented by the Division of Fire Prevention within about 90 days.
