Newest KB Articles

Website Management Roles on Firehouse Solutions

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 13:25:04 GMT

Firehouse Solutions provides a tiered website management system designed to ensure secure and efficient control over your department’s online presence. The platform includes three key administrative roles: Website Administrator, Website Manager, and Content Manager. Each role has specific permissions and responsibilities to help maintain the website’s functionality and content integrity.

Website Administrator

The Website Administrator holds the highest level of access and authority on the website. This role includes full control over all website operations, including user permissions and administrative functions.

To manage Website Administrators:

Log in to the Members Area.
Navigate to Website Security > Website Administrators.
In this section, you can add or remove members as needed.
You can also designate which administrators will serve as the billing contact for your department.
The screen displays the Last 10 Administrator Changes for accountability and tracking purposes.

Note: To make any changes to administrative roles or permissions, you must already be a Website Administrator.

Website Manager

The Website Manager role is responsible for overseeing one or more functional website modules, such as news stories, databases, display boards, and other interactive components.

To manage Website Managers:

Log in to the Members Area.
Go to Website Security > Website Managers.
Select the specific module you wish to manage.
From there, you can add or remove members for that module.

Content Manager

The Content Manager is tasked with updating and managing individual content pages across the website. This role is ideal for users responsible for keeping specific pages current, such as station information, fire prevention tips, or community event updates.

To manage Content Managers:

Log in to the Members Area.
Click on Website Security > Content Managers.
Choose the content page you wish to manage.
You can then add or remove members assigned to that page.

Important: After any changes to a member’s permissions, they must log out and log back in to the Members Area for the updates to take effect.

How to Setup a Display Board

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 14:44:18 GMT

Here's a step-by-step tutorial for setting up Display Boards within a Firehouse Solutions website, integrating Active911, and configuring a Google Maps API key. This guide provides clear instructions in a professional and easy-to-follow format.

Setting Up Display Boards on a Firehouse Solutions Website

Overview

A Display Board is a permanently mounted electronic display that updates critical information for your department. To create and edit Display Boards, you must have Website Administrator or Website Manager permissions.

Step 1: Accessing the Display Board Module

Log in to your Firehouse Solutions website.
Navigate to the Members Area of your website.
Click on Website Management > Display Boards.
Click New Display Board to create a new board or select an existing board to modify.

Step 2: Configuring Display Board Settings

Enter a Title – This will appear at the top of your Display Board.
Choose the Layout:
- Select the number of columns (up to 4).
- Assign either percentages or pixel widths for each column (must total 100%).
Set Font Size – Adjust for readability.
Choose a Theme – Light or Dark mode.
Set a Background Image(optional):
- Upload an image to a content page and copy the image URL.
- Paste the URL into the background field.

Step 3: Restricting Access with IP Addresses (Optional)

The system will show your current IP address.
You can add multiple IP addresses (one per line) to restrict access.
Leaving this blank makes the board accessible from any IP.

Integrating Active911 with Your Display Board

Integrating Active911 allows real-time incident alerts on your Display Board.

Step 1: Obtain a Refresh Token from Active911

Log in to Active911.
Access the OAuth Token Generator.
Enable all permissions on the OAuth page.
Click Submit Query and select your agency.
Confirm your selection by clicking Yes.
Copy and store your Refresh Token – it expires in 1 year.

Step 2: Get Latitude and Longitude for Your Station

Go to LatLong.net.
Enter your station’s physical address.
Click Find to get your latitude and longitude.
Save these coordinates for later use.

Step 3: Configure Active911 in Firehouse Solutions

Go to the Display Board Settings.
Set ActiveAlert Integration to Yes.
Enter the following:
- Refresh Token (from Step 1).
- Latitude & Longitude (from Step 2).
- Keep Alive Setting (recommended: 15 minutes).
- Pagegroup Prefix (if applicable).

Adding Google Maps Integration

Step 1: Obtain a Google Maps API Key

Log in to Google Cloud Console.
Click on the Project Dropdown and select New Project.
Name the project (e.g., “Fire Department Display Board”) and click Create.

Step 2: Enable Required APIs

In the Google Cloud Console, go to APIs & Services > Library.
Enable the following APIs:
- Google Maps JavaScript API
- Google Maps Directions API

Step 3: Create API Credentials

Navigate to APIs & Services > Credentials.
Click Create Credentials > API Key.
Copy and securely store the API Key.

Step 4: Secure Your API Key (Recommended)

Click Restrict Key after generating it.
Apply restrictions:
- HTTP referrers (restrict usage to your website).
- API restrictions (limit access to only Google Maps JavaScript API and Google Maps Directions API).
Click Save.

Step 5: Add API Key to Display Board

Access Display Board Settings.
Paste your Google Maps API Key into the appropriate field.

Step 4: Adding Widgets to Your Display Board

Click New Widget and name it.
Choose the Widget Type (19 available options).
Fill in the necessary fields based on your widget selection.
Click Add Widget.

Step 5: Testing and Deploying the Display Board

Click the Web Link button in the top-right corner to preview your Display Board.
Ensure Active911 alerts and Google Maps integration work correctly.
Copy the Display Board URL and use it on any device for deployment.

By following these steps, you will have a fully functional, real-time updated Display Board integrated with Active911 and Google Maps for efficient emergency response and information management. 🚒

How to Update Content Pages

Fri, 22 Nov 2024 19:34:35 GMT

Keeping your website’s content current and professional is essential. This guide provides a simple, step-by-step process for adding or editing pages using your Content Management System (CMS).

Step 1: Log in to the Member Area

Ensure you have an active membership and valid login credentials.
Navigate to your website's Member Area.
Enter your username and password to log in.

Step 2: Access the Administration Menu

After logging in, locate the User Menu on the left-hand side of the page.
Scroll down and find the Administration Menu below the User Menu.
Click Content Management from the available options.

Step 3: Select a Page to Edit

You will see a table of contents displaying all the pages available for editing.
Browse through the list to locate the page you want to modify.
Click on the page name to proceed.

Step 4: Open the Page Editor

Next to the page file (e.g., default.cfm), you'll find several action icons:
- Magnifying Glass: View the page.
- Pencil: Edit the page.
- Rename: Change the file name.
- Disk: Save the page.
- Trash Can: Delete the page.
Click the Pencil icon to open the editor for the selected page.

Step 5: Edit the Page Content

The page editor will open with an interface similar to Microsoft Word.
Use the editor to make changes such as:
- Adding or Editing Text: Type directly in the editor or highlight existing text to modify it.
- Formatting Text: Adjust fonts, sizes, colors, and alignment.
- Inserting Media: Add tables, images, or videos as needed.
Review your changes to ensure accuracy and professionalism.

Step 6: Save Your Changes

Once your edits are complete, navigate to the top of the editor.
Click the Save Changes button to apply your updates.

By following these steps, you can efficiently manage your website’s content, ensuring it stays relevant and engaging. Regular updates not only enhance user experience but also maintain your site’s credibility and professionalism.

Enhanced CKEditor Instruction Manual for Beginners

Welcome to the CKEditor instruction manual! This step-by-step guide simplifies content creation and editing, making it accessible even for users with minimal computer experience. Whether you're drafting a blog post or formatting a document, CKEditor has the tools to make your work look professional.

Table of Contents

Introduction to CKEditor
Getting Started
- Logging In and Accessing CKEditor
- Overview of the Toolbar
Writing and Editing Text
- Adding and Editing Text
- Formatting Text (Bold, Italics, Underline)
Paragraph and Layout Options
- Creating Headings and Titles
- Aligning Text (Left, Center, Right)
- Adding Lists (Bullets and Numbers)
Adding Links and Anchors
Inserting Pictures and Videos
Working with Tables
Advanced Text Editing Features
- Spell Check and Word Count
- Using Source Code (For Advanced Users)
Accessibility and Collaboration
- Ensuring Readability
- Real-Time Collaboration
Saving and Publishing Content
Customizing CKEditor
Keyboard Shortcuts

1. Introduction to CKEditor

CKEditor is a versatile online text editor designed to simplify the creation and editing of digital content. Think of it as a modern typewriter packed with advanced features such as text formatting, multimedia integration, and real-time collaboration. Whether you're building web content or crafting a polished document, CKEditor makes it easy to achieve professional results.

2. Getting Started

Logging In and Accessing CKEditor

Open your website or application where CKEditor is integrated.
Log in using your username and password if required.
Locate the CKEditor interface—it appears as a blank editing area with a toolbar at the top.

Overview of the Toolbar

The toolbar is your command center for editing. Each button features an icon and may include text describing its function. Hover over a button to see a tooltip explaining its purpose.

3. Writing and Editing Text

Adding and Editing Text

Adding Text: Click inside the editor and start typing.
Editing Text: Highlight the section you want to modify, then type or choose an option from the toolbar.

Formatting Text (Bold, Italics, Underline)

Bold: Highlight text and click the B button or press Ctrl+B.
Italic: Highlight text and click the I button or press Ctrl+I.
Underline: Highlight text and click the U button or press Ctrl+U.

4. Paragraph and Layout Options

Creating Headings and Titles

Headings help structure your content into sections.

Highlight the desired text.
Select a heading style (e.g., "Heading 1") from the Format dropdown menu.

Aligning Text (Left, Center, Right)

Highlight the text you want to align.
Click the alignment button: Left, Center, or Right.

Adding Lists (Bullets and Numbers)

Bulleted List: Click the Bulleted List button (icon with dots) to add bullet points.
Numbered List: Click the Numbered List button (icon with numbers) to create an ordered list.

5. Adding Links and Anchors

Adding Links

Highlight the text you wish to link.
Click the Link button (chain icon).
Enter the URL in the dialog box and click OK.

6. Inserting Pictures and Videos

Adding an Image

Place your cursor where the image should appear.
Click the Image button (picture icon).
Upload an image from your device or paste an online image URL.
Adjust the size and click OK.

Adding a Video

Place your cursor where the video should appear.
Click the Media button (video camera icon).
Paste the video link (e.g., YouTube URL).
Click OK to embed the video.

7. Working with Tables

Tables are excellent tools for organizing and presenting data in rows and columns. CKEditor provides an intuitive way to create, edit, and format tables. Follow these step-by-step instructions to effectively use tables in your content:

Creating a Table

Insert a Table:
- Place your cursor where you want the table to appear in the document.
- Click the Table button (grid icon) on the toolbar.
Define Table Size:
- A pop-up window will appear, prompting you to choose the number of rows and columns for your table.
- Use the fields provided or drag your mouse over the grid preview to select your desired layout (e.g., 3 rows x 4 columns).
Insert the Table:
- Once satisfied with the size, click OK, and the table will appear in the editor.

Adding Content to the Table

Click Inside a Cell:
- Place your cursor inside any cell of the table.
- Start typing to add text or numerical data.
Navigate Between Cells:
- Use the Tab key to move to the next cell.
- Press Shift + Tab to move to the previous cell.

Editing Table Layout

Add or Remove Rows/Columns:
- Adding Rows or Columns:
  - Right-click inside the table to open the context menu.
  - Choose Row or Column, then select Insert Row Above, Insert Row Below, Insert Column Before, or Insert Column After.
- Deleting Rows or Columns:
  - Right-click inside the table.
  - Choose Row or Column, then select Delete Row or Delete Column.
Merge Cells:
- Highlight the cells you want to merge.
- Right-click and select Cell > Merge Cells.
Split Cells:
- Click a merged cell.
- Right-click and choose Cell > Split Cell Horizontally or Split Cell Vertically.

Adjusting Table Appearance

Resize Columns and Rows:
- Hover your mouse over the edge of a column or row until the cursor changes to a resize arrow.
- Click and drag to adjust the width or height.
Change Cell Alignment:
- Highlight the cells you want to align.
- Use the alignment buttons on the toolbar (Align Left, Center, Align Right) to adjust text alignment within the cells.
Add Borders and Background Colors:
- Right-click inside the table and select Table Properties.
- In the properties dialog box, you can:
  - Adjust border width, style, and color.
  - Apply background colors to cells, rows, or the entire table.

Deleting a Table

Right-Click the Table:
- Place your cursor anywhere inside the table.
- Right-click to open the context menu.
Delete Table:
- Select Delete Table from the options.

Tips for Working with Tables

Consistency: Use consistent column widths and alignments to make your table easy to read.
Minimize Complexity: Avoid merging too many cells or overloading the table with excessive rows/columns.
Test Responsiveness: If your content is for a website, preview how the table looks on smaller screens to ensure it's user-friendly.

By following these instructions, you can create and manage tables that are clear, visually appealing, and functional. Experiment with the formatting options to find what works best for your content!

8. Advanced Text Editing Features

Spell Check and Word Count

Spell Check: Right-click on words underlined in red for correction suggestions.
Word Count: Click the Word Count button to view the document’s word and character count.

Source Code (For Advanced Users)

Click the Source button to view or edit the HTML code of your document. This is ideal for advanced customizations.

9. Accessibility and Collaboration

Ensuring Readability

Use the Accessibility Checker to confirm your content meets accessibility standards, ensuring it's usable by everyone, including screen reader users.

Real-Time Collaboration

Some versions of CKEditor support live collaboration, allowing multiple users to edit the same document simultaneously.

10. Saving and Publishing Content

Save: Click the Save button to preserve your changes.
Preview: Use the Preview feature to view your content as it will appear to your audience.

11. Customizing CKEditor

You can modify the toolbar to add or remove buttons based on your needs. Access customization settings through your application or consult your administrator for assistance.

12. Keyboard Shortcuts

Speed up your workflow with these shortcuts:

Bold: Ctrl+B
Italic: Ctrl+I
Underline: Ctrl+U
Save: Ctrl+S
Undo: Ctrl+Z
Redo: Ctrl+Y

This guide introduces CKEditor’s features in a user-friendly way to help you create polished, professional content. Start with the basics, and as you grow confident, explore more advanced options to maximize CKEditor’s capabilities. Happy editing!

SmarterMail Setup and Email Configuration Instructions

Fri, 22 Nov 2024 19:18:39 GMT

SmarterMail Setup and Email Configuration Instructions

We are pleased to inform you that your email account has been successfully created. Please note that upon logging into the email web interface for the first time, you will be prompted to change your password for security purposes. Your account has been configured with administrator access, allowing you to create additional users or aliases as needed.

Web Link: https://firehouse.email/
Username: email.user@website.com
Password: Password123??(case-sensitive)

Encourage New Users to Set Up a Recovery Email Address

As a best practice, we strongly encourage all new users to update their email account settings to include a recovery email address. Having a recovery email is crucial in case you forget or lose access to your password. This feature will enable you to quickly retrieve your account details and reset your password without any delays, ensuring continuous access to your emails.

Creating a New Email Account in SmarterMail

To create additional email accounts in SmarterMail, please follow these steps:

Log In: Access the SmarterMail web interface as a domain administrator.
Navigate to Settings: Click on the "MORE" icon.
Domain Settings: Expand the Domain Settings folder and select "Users."
Add User: Click on the "New" button in the content pane toolbar.
Enter User Details: Provide the desired username, password, display name, and other optional settings such as time zone and reply-to email address.
Save: Click "Save" to create the account.

This process will set up the email account, allowing the user to send and receive emails through SmarterMail.

Creating an Email Alias in SmarterMail

To create an email alias, please follow these steps:

Log In: Log into SmarterMail using your postmaster account.
Navigate to Aliases: Click on "Settings" on the left, then expand the Domain Settings folder and select "Aliases."
Add Alias: Click the "New" button to create a new alias.
Configure Alias: Enter the desired alias name and then go to the "Email Addresses" tab to specify the addresses that will receive emails sent to this alias.
Save: Click "Save" to finalize the alias setup.

These steps will create an email alias that forwards emails to one or more specified email addresses within the domain.

Setting Up Email Forwarding in SmarterMail

Log in to SmarterMail: Access your account via the web interface by entering your email address and password.
Go to Settings: Once logged in, navigate to the settings icon (often represented by a gear or cog icon) located on the sidebar.
Select 'Account': From the settings menu, select 'Account Settings' or 'Mail'.
Add Forwarding Address: Scroll down to the forwarding section and enter the email address to which you'd like your mail forwarded. You can also enable options such as retaining a copy of the email in your SmarterMail inbox.
Save Changes: After entering the forwarding address, click 'Save' to apply the changes.

Setting Up SmarterMail Email on Microsoft Outlook (Desktop)

Open Microsoft Outlook.
Go to File > Add Account.
Select Manual setup or additional server types and click Next.
Choose POP or IMAP and click Next.
Enter your account details:
- Your Name: The display name for your email.
- Email Address: Your full SmarterMail email address.
- Account Type: Choose IMAP (recommended).
- Incoming Mail Server: mail.firehousesolutions.com, Port 993 (SSL).
- Outgoing Mail Server (SMTP): mail.firehousesolutions.com, Port 465/587 (SSL).
Under Logon Information, input your SmarterMail username (usually the full email address) and password.
Click More Settings:
- Outgoing Server tab: Check 'My outgoing server (SMTP) requires authentication'.
- Advanced tab: Verify ports for IMAP (143) or POP3 (110), and SMTP (25/587).
Click OK and then Next to test account settings.

Setting Up SmarterMail on Microsoft Outlook Mobile (iOS/Android)

Download and open the Microsoft Outlook app from the App Store or Google Play.
Open the app and click Add Account.
Enter your SmarterMail email address and click Continue.
Select IMAPand enter the following settings:
- Incoming Mail Server: mail.firehousesolutions.com, Port 993 (SSL).
- Outgoing Mail Server: mail.firehousesolutions.com, Port 465 or 587 (SSL).
Complete the process, and your account will sync.

Setting Up SmarterMail on iPhone (iOS Mail App)

Go to Settings > Mail > Accounts > Add Account.
Choose Other, then select Add Mail Account.
Enter your name, SmarterMail email address, password, and a description.
Under Incoming Mail Server:
- Host Name: mail.firehousesolutions.com.
- Username: Your full email address.
- Password: Your email account password.
Under Outgoing Mail Server: Enter the same details.
Click Save, and the account will verify and sync your mail.

Setting Up SmarterMail on Android (Native Mail App)

Open the Mail App on your Android device.
Go to Settings > Add Account.
Choose IMAP and enter your SmarterMail email address and password.
Incoming Mail Server:
- IMAP Server: mail.firehousesolutions.com.
- Port: 993 (SSL).
Outgoing Mail Server (SMTP):
- SMTP Server: mail.firehousesolutions.com.
- Port: 465 or 587 (SSL).
Complete the process, and your mail will start syncing.

Helpful Links

For more detailed instructions, refer to the official documentation on SmarterTools: Help for SmarterMail.
Information about our mail server and instructions for different clients is available here: Firehouse Solutions Support.
Preferred Email Client: eM Client is the preferred email client for SmarterTools (SmarterMail), and it can be downloaded at eM Client.

Should you have any questions or require further assistance, please feel free to contact us.

Integrating Your Display Board with Active911 and Google Maps

Wed, 04 Sep 2024 14:45:02 GMT

Integrating your display board with Active911 and Google Maps ensures efficient real-time updates and mapping capabilities, which are crucial during emergencies. Here’s a comprehensive guide to set up your display board using Active911’s ActiveAlert and Google Maps API.

Step-by-Step Guide to Integrating Your Display Board with Active911 and Google Maps

Step 1: Obtain a Refresh Token from ActiveAlert (Active911)

Log in to Active911: Open your web browser and go to Active911's interface.
Access the OAuth Token Generator: In the same browser session, navigate to Active911's OAuth Generator page.
Set Permissions: Ensure all permissions are selected on the OAuth Generator page.
Submit Your Request: Click "Submit Query" to proceed.
Select Your Agency: Choose the agency you want to generate the token for, then press "Submit Query".
Confirm Your Selection: On the confirmation page, click "Yes".
Save the Refresh Token: Note the Refresh Token provided. This token expires in 1 year, so you’ll need to renew it annually.

Step 2: Obtain the Latitude and Longitude Coordinates of Your Station

Visit Latitude and Longitude Finder: Go to LatLong.net.
Input Your Station's Address: Enter the physical address of your station into the "Place Name" field.
Find Coordinates: Click "Find" to generate the latitude and longitude for your location.
Record the Coordinates: Save the latitude and longitude information for later use.

Step 3: Obtain and Set Up a Google Maps API Key

Log in to Google Cloud Console: Using any Google Account, visit the Google Cloud Console.
Create a New Project:
- Click on the project dropdown menu and select “New Project.”
- Name your project (e.g., "Fire Department Display Board") and click "Create."
Enable Necessary APIs:
- In the left-hand menu, go to “Library” under “APIs & Services.”
- Search for and enable the Google Maps JavaScript API and Google Maps Directions API.
Create API Credentials:
- Navigate to the “Credentials” page.
- Click on “Create credentials” and select “API Key.”
- Copy and securely store the API Key that is generated.
Secure Your API Key (Recommended):
- Click “Restrict Key” after generating the API Key.
- Set restrictions to limit the usage of your key (e.g., restrict by HTTP referrers or IP addresses).
- Restrict the key’s usage to the enabled APIs only (Google Maps JavaScript API and Google Maps Directions API).
- Click “Save” to apply the restrictions.
Review Quotas and Pricing:
- Monitor usage under the “Quotas” section to stay within the free tier or set limits.
- Ensure your project is linked to a billing account to avoid disruptions in service.

Step 4: Configure Your Display Board with the Obtained Information

Access Display Board Settings: Navigate to the Display Board Edit Screen in your configuration settings.
Enable ActiveAlert Integration: Set the ActiveAlert Integration option to "Yes".
Insert Required Information:
- Refresh Token: Paste the ActiveAlert Refresh Token obtained in Step 1.
- Coordinates: Enter the Latitude and Longitude coordinates obtained in Step 2.
- API Key: Paste the Google Maps API Key obtained in Step 3.
Set Display Preferences:
- Keep Alive Setting: Set the "Keep Alive" option to 15 minutes. This determines how long the Emergency Alert Screen will remain active during an incident.
- Pagegroup Prefix (if applicable): If your organization uses an ActiveAlert Pagegroup Prefix, enter the specific two-letter prefix here.

Step 5: Test the Integration

Test the System: Ensure that all integrated features, including maps and emergency alerts, function correctly on your display board.
Verify Map Display: Confirm that Google Maps is displaying correctly and that routing and directions are accurate.

By completing these steps, your display board will be fully integrated with Active911 and Google Maps, enabling dynamic and responsive emergency management capabilities for your fire department.

MD5 challenge issue when setting up email on iOS devices

Wed, 04 Sep 2024 13:57:25 GMT

To resolve the MD5 challenge issue when setting up email on iOS devices, follow these steps:

Open Settings on your iOS device.
Navigate to Mail > Accounts.
Select the email account that is experiencing the issue.
Tap on Account again within the account settings.
Scroll down and select SMTP under the Outgoing Mail Server section.
Choose the Primary SMTP Server listed.
Find the Authentication setting. If it is set to MD5 Challenge-Response, change it to Password.
After making the changes, tap the back button to return to the previous screen and then tap Done to save the settings.

The MD5 Challenge-Response authentication method can cause problems because it is not universally supported by all email servers. Many servers and applications have moved away from MD5 due to security concerns and compatibility issues. If your server does not support MD5 Challenge-Response, setting the authentication to "Password" should resolve the issue (SmarterTools).

If you continue to experience issues after making these changes, it may be worth checking if there are any additional updates required for your email server or if the email provider needs to make any server-side changes to support different authentication methods(Apple Discussions).

Embed Pennsylvania Traffic Cameras on a Display Board

Wed, 12 Jun 2024 22:14:07 GMT

1. Open Google Chrome

2. Visit 511pa.com

3. In the legend, deselect all items and select Cameras.

4. Select the desired Camera and then click Show Video.

5. In Chrome Web Browser click the top right 3 dots button.

6. Select More Tools > Web Developer Tools

7. Use the top left icon (Select an element in the page to inspect it)

8. Click on your video, which will display HTML code.

9. In the HTML code, look for a 511pa.com URL that looks similar to

<link href="//vjs.zencdn.net/8.3.0/video-js.min.css" rel="stylesheet">
<script src="//vjs.zencdn.net/8.3.0/video.min.js"></script>

<video
    height="400"
    width="600"
    id="my-player"
    class="video-js"
    controls
    preload="auto"
    data-setup='{}'
    muted>
	
<source src="https://pa-se5.arcadis-ivds.com:8300/hls/CHAN-3929/index.m3u8?token=fd93055a3546fd2373181a76ba4b9f6dbd8a5ede7a4346f56cb1b8de125472b9" type="application/x-mpegURL"> 

</video>

<script>
var player = videojs('my-player');
player.play();
</script>

Setting up Google Maps API

Mon, 20 May 2019 19:44:53 GMT

Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up the Google Maps API

Google Maps API is a powerful tool that allows you to integrate interactive maps into your applications. Follow these steps to set up the API:

1. Create or Log in to a Google Cloud Account

Visit the Google Cloud Platform.
Sign in with your Google account credentials or create a new account.

2. Create a New Project

In the Google Cloud Console, click on the "Select a Project" dropdown in the top navigation bar.
Click "New Project"and provide:
- Project Name (e.g., "Maps Integration Project").
- Billing Account (required for API access; see below).
Click "Create".

3. Enable Billing for the Project

Navigate to Billing in the left-hand menu of the Cloud Console.
Link your project to an existing billing account or set up a new one.
- Google offers a free trial with $300 in credits for new users.

4. Enable the Google Maps APIs

In the Cloud Console, go to APIs & Services > Library.
Search for the specific APIs you need, such as:
- Maps JavaScript API
- Geocoding API
- Places API
- Directions API
Click on each API, then click "Enable".

5. Generate API Keys

Navigate to APIs & Services > Credentials.
Click "Create Credentials" and select "API Key".
Copy the generated API key.

6. Restrict API Key Usage (Recommended)

To secure your API key from unauthorized use:

Under the Credentials tab, select your API key.
Configure the following:
- Key Restrictions:
  - Select the appropriate Application Restrictions (e.g., HTTP referrers for websites).
- API Restrictions:
  - Limit the key's access to only the APIs you’ve enabled (e.g., Maps JavaScript API).
Click "Save".

7. Test the API Key

Add the API key to your application:
- For a web project, include the following script tag in your HTML file:

html

Copy code

Replace YOUR_API_KEY with your actual key.

Open your application to verify the map functionality.

8. Monitor Usage and Adjust Quotas

Go to APIs & Services > Dashboard in the Cloud Console.
Monitor your API usage and costs.
Optionally, set up usage quotas or alerts under Quotas to avoid unexpected charges.

Additional Tips

Documentation: Refer to the official Google Maps API documentation for implementation details.
Error Troubleshooting: If you encounter errors, use the API Status Dashboard to check service availability.
Support: Access Google Cloud support if needed.

By following these steps, you’ll successfully set up the Google Maps API for your project.

How to Integrate Your Display Board with Active911

Wed, 27 Dec 2017 03:07:49 GMT

First, obtain a Refresh Token from ActiveAlert (formerly Active911). You must have Edit Agency permission in ActiveAlert to complete this task.

1. Log into Active911 at https://interface.active911.com

2. In the same browser window, visit https://console.active911.com/interface/dev/oauth_gen.php

3. Ensure all permissions are selected and press "Submit Query".

4. Choose the agency you want to create a token for and press "Submit Query".

5. On the confirmation page, press "Yes".

6. Take note of the Refresh Token that Expires in 1 year.

Next, obtain the Latitude and Longitude coordinates of your station (or location).

1. Visit https://www.latlong.net

2. Enter the physical address of your station in Place Name and press "Find".

3. Take note of the Latitude and Longitude data.

Next, obtain a Google Maps API Key.

1. Using any Google Account, visit https://console.developers.google.com

2. If a project has not yet been created, a prompt will allow you to register your application by creating a new project.

3. Once you have made it to the Dashboard, click "Enable APIs and Services".

4. Enable Google Maps Javascript API and Google Maps Directions API.

5. Back to the Dashboard, click Credentials > Create credentials > API Key

6. Take note of your API key that is generated.

7. If you would like to secure your API key, you can do so by HTTP referrers, IP address, etc. This is not required.

Finally, plug all of this information into your display board.

1. On the Display Board Edit Screen, Change ActiveAlert Integration to Yes.

2. Insert the ActiveAlert Refresh Token.

3. Insert the Latitude and Longitude coordinates of your station (or location).

4. Insert the Google Maps API Key.

5. Set the Keep Alive to 15 minutes. This is the amount of time the Emergency Alert Screen will remain displayed during an incident.

6. If your organization is paged through an ActiveAlert Pagegroup Prefix, enter the two-letter prefix.

How to Create a Database

Thu, 11 Dec 2014 20:30:21 GMT

Guide to Creating and Managing Databases

Firehouse Solutions' Databases feature provides versatile functionality for public and member interactions. Whether you want to collect membership applications, manage inventory, or create custom forms, this tool offers secure, web-accessible data management. Below is a detailed guide to help you create, configure, and use Databases effectively.

Step 1: Creating a Database

Log In: Access the members area.
Navigate to Database Management:
- Click on Website Management.
- Select Databases.
Create New Database:
- Click the New Database button.
- Fill in the required settings (described below) to define your database.

Database Settings

When creating a database, configure the following options:

Basic Settings

Database Title: The name displayed at the top of the database page.
Description: Text shown on the database page, visible when viewing records.
Form Header: Text displayed above form fields.
Form Footer: Text displayed below form fields.

Access Settings

Public Security

No Access: Prevent public users from accessing the database.
Form: Allow public users to submit records.
Form & Data: Permit public users to view and add records.
Data: Permit public users to view records only.

Members Area Security

No Access: Restrict member access to the database.
Reader: Members can view records.
Submitter: Members can add records.
Contributor: Members can view and add records.
Author: Members can view, add, and edit their own records.
Editor: Members have full control (add, view, edit, delete all records).

Additional Settings

Sort Order: Position of the database in the Members Area menu.
Default Sort: The field used to sort records by default.
Send Notifications to: Email addresses (one per line) notified upon record submissions.
Notify on Record Updates: Enable email notifications for updates to the database.
Redirect on Record Add: URL to redirect users after successful record submission.
Database Owners: Members granted full permissions (read, add, edit, delete) for the database.

Once you complete these settings, click Add Database to proceed.

Database and Form Overview Page

On this page, you can:

View your database settings.
Add new form fields or dividers.

Key Functions

Edit Database: Modify database settings and preferences.
New Form Field: Add individual fields to your database form.
New Form Divider: Insert dividers to separate sections of the form.

Form Field Table

This table displays the following details for each form field:

Field Title: The label for the field.
Type: The field type (e.g., Text, Number, List).
Primary: Indicates if this field is visible in the main record view.
Required: Denotes if the field is mandatory.
Sort Order: Order of fields in the form and record view.

You can adjust the sort order and click Update to save changes.

Step 2: Adding Form Fields

To add fields to your form:

Click New Form Field.
Fill in the following details:

Form Field Settings

Field Title: Label displayed next to the field.
Type: Choose the field type (see options below).
Primary: Indicates if this field is highlighted in the main record view.
Required: Marks the field as mandatory for submission.
Admin Use Only: Restricts visibility and updates to database owners.
Sort Order: Determines the order of fields in the form.

Field Types

Attachment: Upload multiple files.
Checkbox: Multiple selectable options.
Date: User-selectable date (with calendar pop-up).
Date/Time: Includes both date and time entry.
Date/Time Stamp: Auto-inserts the current date and time (not editable).
Decimal: Accepts decimal numbers.
Email: Validates email address submissions.
List: Dropdown menu for single selection.
Member Multi Select: Dropdown for selecting multiple active members.
Member Single Select: Dropdown for selecting one active member.
Member Stamp: Auto-inserts the submitting member’s name.
Memo: Large text field for detailed responses.
Month/Year: User-selectable month and year (with calendar pop-up).
Multi Select: Dropdown allowing multiple selections.
Number: Accepts up to 9-digit numbers (not suitable for phone numbers).
Radio Button: Single selectable option (e.g., Yes/No).
Text: Single-line text entry.
Time: User-fillable time entry.

Once you’ve added the necessary fields, click Submit. Repeat for all required fields.

Step 3: Adding Form Dividers

Use dividers to organize your form visually.

Click New Form Divider.
Fill in the following:
- Divider Title: Text displayed above the divider line.
- Sort Order: Placement of the divider between form fields.

Dividers help separate sections like "Billing Address" and "Physical Address" for clarity.

By following these steps, you can create and manage comprehensive databases in Firehouse Solutions, optimizing your workflow and providing valuable tools for your organization.