FEMA Fact Sheet
Incident Management Assistance Teams
 
FEMA’s Mobile Emergency Response Support (MERS) detachments provide mobile telecommunications, life support, logistics, operational support and power generation during presidentially declared emergencies and major disasters required for the on-site management of disaster response activities. There are a total of six MERS detachments nationwide. They are located in Bothell, Wash.; Denver, Colo.; Maynard, Mass.; Denton, Texas; Thomasville, Georgia and Frederick, Maryland.
 
MERS’ primary function in disaster response operations involves communications support. MERS can deliver voice, data, and video services in support of 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 capabilities also include the Mobile Emergency Operations Vehicle (MEOVs), 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 that have 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 also provides logistical support for field operations including water, fuel, power generation, heating ventilation and air conditioning, 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. 
§ 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 1,200; 2,200; and 3,500-gallon tankers. They can also transport water via 3,000-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.
 
FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.