Washington, DC 20472 Washington, DC 20472 
Press Office 

U.S. Department of Homeland Security 
500 C Street, SW 

Fact Sheet 

MOBILE EMERGENCY RESPONSE SUPPORT 

FEMA’s Mobile Emergency Response Support (MERS) detachments provide mobile telecommunications, life 
support, logistics, operational support and power generation during presidentially declared emergencies and 
disasters required for the on-site management of disaster response activities. There are a total of five MERS 
detachments nationwide, each supporting two FEMA regions. They are located in Bothell, Wash.; Denver, Colo.; 
Maynard, Mass.; Denton, Texas; and Thomasville, Ga. 

MERS’ primary function in disaster response operations involves communications support. MERS can deliver 
voice, data, and video services in support of the response officials. They employ satellite, terrestrial, land mobile 
radio, and line-of-sight transmission systems to deliver communications support for response and recovery 
operations. 

MERS also includes the Mobile Emergency Operations Vehicle (MEOV), self-contained mobile communications 
vehicles with power generation and satellite communications that are deployed to provide mobile office support 
such as video teleconferencing at locations with no infrastructure. The units vary in size and provide support and 
location for a Command Post, Initial Operating Facility or a Joint Field Office. MEOVs are integrated 
communications and operations platforms that also have served as Disaster Recovery Centers for a disaster-
affected community. 

MERS units also provide logistical support for field operations including water, fuel, power generation, heating 
ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), and life support for responding personnel. In addition MERS provides 
administrative support needed by federal, state and local responders in their efforts to save lives, protect property 
and coordinate disaster operations. 

MERS assets include: 

. 
Approximately 275 mobile units that provide emergency telecommunications, logistics and operations 

support; 
. 
Heating, ventilation and air conditioning units that generate enough BTUs for a 16,000 square foot building; 
. 
Several truck-mounted generators, ranging from 20 to 400 kilowatts, for power generation and distribution 

for several large facilities. 

MERS detachments transport and distribute fuel via 1200, 2200 and 3500-gallon tankers. They can also transport 
water via 3000-gallon tankers and, through a reverse osmosis purification unit, make brackish and salt water safe 
and drinkable. 

FEMA leads and supports the nation in a risk-based, comprehensive emergency management system of preparedness, 
protection, response, recovery, and mitigation, to reduce the loss of life and property and protect the nation from all hazards 
including natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made disasters. 

February 2009