Niagara Frontier District News
UMCOR Early Response Team Training
April 7, 2017 / By Beth Holdridge / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Early Response Team Training and Recertification Class Scheduled at Fredonia: First UMC
UMCOR Early Response Team Training and ERT Recertification class is scheduled for Saturday, May 20 at Fredonia: First UMC from 8am-4pm. UMCOR's Early Response Team (ERT) training equips United Methodists to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters. When disaster strikes, Early Response Teams (ERTs) fill a specific need to clean out flood-damaged homes, remove debris, place tarps on homes, and otherwise help to prevent further damage. The work provides a caring Christian presence in times of disaster.
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. On May 20, two Early Response Team classes are being offered at First UMC of Fredonia. Early Response Team (ERT) training, is being taught by Tom and Linda Cooper. This basic ERT course is eight hours.
For current ERT members whose UMCOR badges are expiring (badge dated before 2014), a four-hour re-certification class is being taught by Brian Greenwald. All three trainers have been approved by UMCOR and are experienced ERT responders. The cost is $25. Those interested should register quickly, as space is limited. Registration deadline is May 8. You can contact Linda Cooper at lindacooper47@gmail.com or Brian Greenwald at bngreenwald@windstream.net for more information or to register.
What do UMCOR Early Response Teams Do?
- Provide a Christian presence. This does not sound like a task… and is NOT, however, it can be the MOST important thing a team can do.
- Take steps to prevent further damage to a family’s personal property (stabilize): Tarping, Debris removal, Cleaning out of flooded homes
- Teams may be asked to manage donated materials, gather information or perform other tasks as deemed necessary by the community.
- Observe survivor’s needs and report these to the local operations.
- Be a part of the caring ministry of “listeners” who will help the survivor begin to heal.
What will you learn in an ERT class?
- The Who, What, When, and Why of Early Response Teams
- Working with survivors
- Seven important things to know about disaster spiritual and emotional care
- Organizational structure for the relief stage
- Team safety
- ERT protocols
- Safe sanctuaries
- Equipping an ERT
The cost is $25. This includes snacks, lunch, background check fee and an UMCOR badge. Checks should be made out to First United Methodist Church of Fredonia and brought the day of training. Contact UMCOR Trainers Linda and Tom Cooper at LCooper@netsync.net for additional information and to REGISTER NO LATER THAN MONDAY, MAY 8.