Research and identify one database currently online that somehow pertains to public fire protection. You may select one that is currently being used within your local jurisdiction, or from a state, national, or another public database source. Spend some time in the program, considering the type of data contained, the volume of data within, the utility of the data (how/why is it useful to public fire protection or emergency services research and analysis?), and the relevance of the data (how current/relevant is the information?)
- Post the URL or website location of the database. Be clear with any additional instructions for locating the database, as participation in the discussion forum depends on being able to visit each other’s databases.
- Propose any disadvantages there may be to using the database. What problems might a user encounter, in your opinion? What improvements do you propose to address these problems?
- Present the advantages of this data resource: How comprehensive is the information? How is the information useful to you, or to another fire and emergency services professional? How can the data be shared with others whom it would serve?