Early Response Team

 

 

ERT stands for Early Response Team. ERTs are teams of individuals who are trained to respond immediately after disasters. ERTs come in after the first responders (search, rescue and recovery) complete their work, and help stabilize the area after a disaster. Work can include clearing debris, making initial needs assessments, working in feeding stations, putting tarps on damaged homes, mucking out flooded homes, and the like. Typical ERT deployments are for 3-5 days.

 

Emergency Response Teams are trained and credentialed by UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief). The credentials are recognized by FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency), law enforcement agencies, UMCOR and UMVIM (United Methodist Volunteers in Mission). 

 

After a disaster, the bishop or emergency response coordinator for a conference can request ERTs to come. ERTs are then asked to consider their availability to respond. If they are available, the ERT is put in contact with local church officials regarding housing and coordination of work assignments, etc.

 

The ERT program has been developed by UMCOR and UMVIM in response to several of the larger natural disasters in recent years, starting with Hurricane Andrew. ERTs have become an effective part of the church’s disaster response effort to floods, hurricanes, tornadoes and other disasters. Planning is also underway to include terror response training into the ERT program. ERTs work closely with other volunteer organizations (VOADS—Volunteer Organizations Active in Disasters) as well as government organizations to coordinate an effective response. (i.e., if the Baptists are providing feeding stations, and the Brethren are offering clothing and supplies, the Methodists might take on a different piece of the response effort).

 

Sterling UMC has an active Early Response Team.  Our ERT is prepared to respond to disasters within a 500 mile radius of Sterling.  To join our ERT, you need to complete a 1-day training and certification course offered by UMCOR.  Trainings are offered at regular intervals around the state. We always welcome new team members!

 

Contact Phil Mohr at ministries@sterlingumc.org if you are interested in learning more.