Early Response Team Training
An Early Response Team (ERT) is a self-contained team that enters a disaster zone at the invitation of local emergency management officials. ERTs provide emergency repairs and/or assistance to help people be safe, sanitary and secure until insurance and other help are available.
United Methodist ERTs offer a Christian presence and are trained to provide various types of physical, emotional and spiritual assistance to disaster survivors. Teams are registered with the Disaster Recovery Ministry of the Florida Conference and Disaster Recovery coordinates team placement with emergency management to get help where it is needed most after a disaster.
ERTs are taught the types, phases and levels of disaster as well as the unique role and purpose of "early response". Training also includes team leadership, team needs and equipment, spiritual and emotional care, faith-based disaster response, chainsaw safety, how to tarp roofs safely and how we coordinate with UMVIM (United Methodist Volunteers in Mission) and UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief).
This two-day training focuses on helping individuals develop the skills needed to serve on an Early Response Team. During an ERT call out, teams are put together based on the availability of trained individuals to serve. Since everyone is trained to the same standard, ERTs are typically made up of volunteers from several churches.
Attendees receive a disaster response manual, T-shirt and certification credentials identifying them as Early Responders for the Florida Conference and UMCOR. A background check is required.
Typical schedule:
Friday
4:30pm check in
5:30 dinner
6:30 training begins
9:30 training ends
PLEASE NOTE:You must complete Disaster 101: Basic Disaster Ministry Training before taking ERT Training.
There is a fee for this training.