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New Mobile Emergency Response Vehicle to support local communities

United Energy has launched its new Mobile Emergency Response Vehicle (MERV) which will be used to support local communities during emergencies and prolonged power outages.

The vehicle will provide a central hub for United Energy to provide localised updates, and has on board a generator, flood lighting and phone charging facilities for residents.

United Energy's Richard Scholten says the vehicle was built after last year’s major storms caused widespread and extensive damage to power infrastructure,

“MERV is about providing a central hub for residents to meet with United Energy representatives and get first-hand information about what’s happening in their areas during major storm events.

“Since last year’s storms we’ve also improved our customers communications, including our estimated restoration times, and we’ve continued to work with telcos and emergency agencies to improve our preparation and response to major events.

“Customers can also now visit our website and choose how they receive updates about outages in a way that works for them.”

A range of tips for preparing for and dealing with a power outage during extreme weather can be found below:

  • Look after your health

Have a contingency plan ready if you rely on life support equipment or need electrical items to care for babies, the disabled, elderly or pets.

  • Charge mobile phones and laptop computers

This will ensure you can still communicate with friends and family, get updates about when power will be restored or reach emergency services when needed.

  • Withdraw some cash

ATMs and EFTPOS can be affected by electricity outages so have some money available to pay for food or other supplies if need be.

  • Back up computer files

Make sure important computer-based records for your home, study or work are backed up and if necessary, saved on a storage device kept in a secure location.

  • Have alternative energy available

Check that any available alternative energy sources for powering water pumps and equipment or cooking, are fuelled and operational. This includes diesel generators, BBQs and battery powered lamps or torches. Make sure you know how to open garage doors and gates manually if they don’t have a battery back-up.

  • Stay up to date on safety

Check current warnings and updates at emergency.vic.gov.au and download the VicEmergency app. Register for United Energy SMS alerts to keep track of the situation. Put together an emergency kit with first-aid items, medications, torches, candles, matches, a portable radio and sturdy gloves, and have all emergency phone numbers handy.

  • Contact us about faults and emergencies

Call United Energy on 132 099.