Disaster Ministries serves as a caring Christian presence in the aftermath of disaster, fostering partnerships between United Methodists and others to help rebuild homes, communities, and lives. Our Conference offers Early Response Team (ERT) training courses from the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) to help staff, churches, and volunteers learn how to prepare and respond to disasters.
ERTs fill a specific need in the early days after a disaster to help to prevent further damage while providing a caring Christian presence.
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. Teams help with specific needs in the early days after a disaster including cleaning out flood-damaged homes, removing debris, placing tarps on homes and other tasks as needed.
ERT Classes help participants understand how United Methodists are involved during a disaster, how we get prepared for a disaster, and what we can do when a disaster strikes.
Anyone is welcome to join – no special skills, experience, or knowledge required!