Early Response Team (ERT) Training Opportunities

 

One of the primary ways the Central Texas Conference responds to disasters is via our Early Response Team (ERT). Our CTC ERTs respond to disasters within the conference, as well as to help other areas facing disasters. The mission of an Early Response Team is to provide a caring presence in the aftermath of a disaster, under very specific guidelines that enables a team to be productive and caring while causing no further harm or being a burden to the affected community.

If you are called to service as a member of the CTC ERT, you'll need to register for and participate in one of the trainings taught throughout the year. These trainings are taught by “authorized” UMCOR trainers, and team members are given authorized ERT ID badges from UMCOR as evidence of completing the training.
 

The next Early Response training opportunities:

9am - 5pm, June 20, 2015

FUMC Mansfield
      777 N. Walnut Creek Dr.  Mansfield  TX 
     Trainer:  Laraine Waughtal
     Material & Training Fee:  $30 (includes lunch)

  Registration Closes End of Day June 15

 

The next Early Response Re-certification Training:

9am - 1pm, June 20, 2015
FUMC Mansfield
       777 N. Walnut Creek Dr.  Mansfield  TX 
     Trainer:  Wayne Dobbins
     Material & Training Fee:  $20

Registration Closes End of Day June 15

Remember:
   Recertification is necessary every 3 years to stay current. 


The topics covered in the class include the who, what, when, where and how of doing disaster response ministry, as well as some hands on experience in the specific tasks that early responders are expected to accomplish in the face of a disaster. Remember, if you want to be part of the first responders to an emergency situation from the CTC, you have to have completed this training.

Here are the basic qualifications for one to become a certified Early Responder with the Central Texas Conference:

  • Complete the basic class, led by an authorized trainer
  • Pass a background check done by the conference office
  • Score 70% or higher on the ERT basic class quiz (found in the manual)

NEW! Basic Emotional and Spiritual Care Team Response Training:

Provides training in identifying spiritual and emotional needs of individuals, communities, and congregations following disasters; responding to those needs; elaborating strategies for disaster responders' self-care, and understanding how Care Teams fit into the overall United Methodist Disaster Response structure.  Basic ERT Training is not a prerequisite for this class.

  • New dates will be scheduled soon.

Care Team Leadership Training:
Provides Care Team Leaders with tools and skills to lead Care Team members during and after deployment. The above Basic Spiritual Care Team Response Training is a prerequisite.

  • July 25-26, 2015
  • October 24-25, 2015

More information and registration will be available soon.

 

UMCOR policy requires that there must be a minimum of seven persons registered in order to conduct a training class. If the class for which you have registered does not meet that minimum by the end of the Monday before it is scheduled, you will be notified of the cancellation and given the option to take the class at a later date. 

 

 

For more information, contact Rev. Laraine Waughtal, CTC Coordinator of Disaster Response.