Fact Sheet


   MOBILE EMERGENCY RESOURCE SUPPORT (MERS)

* The primary function of the Mobile Emergency Response Support (MERS) is to provide mobile telecommunications, life support, logistics, operational support and power generation required for the on-site management of disaster response activities. 

* In addition MERS provide administrative support required by federal, state and local responders in their efforts to save lives, protect property and coordinate disaster operations. 

* Staged in six strategic locations, one with offshore capabilities, each of the MERS detachments can concurrently support a large Joint Field Office (JFO) and multiple field operating sites within a disaster area. 

* MERS assets include some 275 mobile units that provide emergency telecommunications, logistics and operations support. 

* Several truck-mounted generators, ranging from 20 to 400 kilowatts, provide enough power generation and distribution for several large facilities. 

* Heating, ventilation and air conditioning units generate enough BTUs to service a 16,000 square foot building. 

* 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. 

* MERS also has Mobile Emergency Operation Vehicles (MEOVs). MEOVs are self-contained mobile communications vehicles with power generation and satellite communications initially deployed to provide mobile office support, including video conferencing, at locations with no infrastructure. 

* New Mobile Emergency Operation Vehicle (EOV/Green Hornet) provides for 38 work spaces. Self contained expandable mobile communications van with same equipment capability as the above MEOV.  Sister to the “Red October” used extensively in Katina and Rita by the FCO and PFO, Admiral Allen as the command post. 

* FEMA Incident and Response Support Team FIRST Team vehicle is a mobile communication van used to provide command and control communication and real time rapid needs assessment to FEMA Regional and Headquarters leadership for quick response support needs. This vehicle will be the first deployed along with the Federal and State first responders on a Rapid Needs Assessment (RNA) mission.

* MEOVs are frequently matched with Mobile Disaster Recovery Center (MDRCs) vehicles, providing power and communications so victims could register with FEMA.

* MERS locations include Bothell, Wash.; Denver, Colo.; Maynard, Mass.; Denton, Texas; and Thomasville, Ga.

Press Office
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
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Washington, DC  20472




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