Early Response Team Training for Disaster Response

This class will provide you with the basic information you need about Early Response Teams. ERTs fill a specific need in the days after a disaster to clean out flood-damaged homes, remove debris, place tarps on homes, and otherwise help to prevent further damage, while providing a caring Christian presence. It is ideal for each church to have ERT trained volunteers who are able to respond to needs across the Conference. Under the UMCOR system, early responders cannot help unless they are trained.

Fall 2022 Training Options:

• 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, August 27 - SOLD OUT
• 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, September 17

Registration closes on August 19 for the August 27 training and on September 9 for the September 17 training.

ERTs are not a first-response group of emergency workers, nor are they recovery, rebuild, or repair teams. Under very specific guidelines, ERTs assist survivors, without causing further harm or being a burden to the affected community. All ERT members are trained by authorized UMCOR trainers and are given identification badges as evidence of successful completion of the basic class.

To receive your UMCOR ERT Badge you must:

• Attend the in-person training session all day
• Pass the test given at the end of the training session
• Complete and pass the background check (instructions are sent in your registration confirmation email)