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. 🚒