In the early days after a disaster, Early Response Teams (ERTs) clean out flood-damaged homes, remove debris, place tarps on homes, and otherwise help to prevent further damage, while providing a caring Christian presence.
While neither first-responders nor rebuild- or repair-teams, ERTs assist survivors, without causing further harm or being a burden to the affected community. ERTs must be invited to travel to another district, conference, or jurisdiction.
Basic ERT Training is an 8-hour class where participants learn the basics of disaster response, including how to stabilize and secure homes safely, and how to work effectively with survivors and others on the response team. This class qualifies students for the basic ERT UMCOR identification badge.
Three upcoming ERT classes (Basic) are scheduled in February & March. Each is on a Saturday, from 8:30 am – 5:00 pm. The cost is $30. Lunch and snacks are provided.
- February 17, 2018 – Windsor UMC, 12863 NC 242, Elizabethtown
- March 3, 2018 – Soapstone UMC 12837 Norwood Road, Raleigh
- March 24, 2018 – Buxton UMC 48221 Buxton Back Road, Buxton
Participants may register through the web or may call Ann Huffman at 888.440.9167, email disasterresponse@nccumc.org.