Where should the Raleigh Fire Department locate fire stations over the next 10 years to minimize response times? Where should it deploy the most fire trucks? What areas of the City should RFD target in its next smoke alarm campaign? Andrea Saravitz with the Raleigh Fire Department can help answer these questions.
Saravitz, who joined the department last summer, is a data and strategy analyst. She uses data analysis techniques to extract insights from fire incident data. RFD and the City need data to guide decision-making, optimize resource allocation, and identify high-risk areas. Data can improve operations, enhancing fire safety and response effectiveness.
“I collect data, manage it, and make it accessible to the department and the rest of the City. The key part of my job is analyzing data for use in the real world,” Saravitz summarizes.
Importance of Teamwork
Saravitz’s role is in the department’s Administrative division. While her position is unique within the department, she cooperates with several RFD teams, such as Logistics and the Office of the Fire Marshall. She also works with other City departments, such as Emergency Communications and Planning.
“I work a lot on project management and my key partner is Logistics. For instance, I’m working to move towards a data-driven approach for analyzing growth and determining where we need to build a new fire station. In addition, I work with Planning on rezonings and annexations, providing data from the fire service perspective.”
Another duty that Saravitz enjoys is creating maps using geographic information systems (GIS). “My job allows me to work with others quite a bit, but I also get to do more solitary things. I enjoy the balance.”
Unique Perspective
Saravitz brings a unique perspective to RFD, says Senior Fiscal Analyst Adam Perry. “She has learned a lot about providing fire services to the community, and ways she can make a positive impact,” he says. “Andrea’s viewpoint helps create a sense of balance on our Command Staff, tapping into new techniques and approaches from a younger generation, keeping the department innovative and forward thinking.”
Saravitz graduated with a master’s degree in data analytics from North Carolina State University. She has always enjoyed math and got her undergraduate in statistics. “You can take pretty much any field, and they all need data to guide decision-making.”
Many of her fellow graduates started their careers as consultants or data analysts for consulting or banking companies. The Raleigh native is glad she came to work for the City. “It’s wonderful to work for my hometown and try to improve our community.”