Registration for this training is now closed.  If you would like to be placed on a waiting list for a future training event, please contact Carol Merante at cmerant@nyac.com.

Early Response Teams

The mission of an Early Response Team (ERT) is to provide a caring Christian presence in the aftermath of a disaster. These teams are neither a first response group of emergency workers nor a recovery rebuild or repair team; rather they fill a specific need in the early days after a disaster to establish the presence of the church.

Early Response Teams are intended to be small (7 to 12 people), self-sufficient and self-sustaining, with specialized skills for early response. While there are specific tasks assigned to early response teams, no task is more important than the people they serve.

What do Early Response Teams Do?

1. 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.
2. Take steps to prevent further damage to a family’s personal property (stabilize):
   • Cleaning out flooded or storm-affected homes 
   • Debris removal
   • Tarping of roofs 

The instructor for this Basic course will be Art Mellor.  The class will be taught via Zoom; a link to join will be emailed to registrants a few days before the first class.

How to become certified to serve on an Emergency Response Team:  

• Applicants must fully participate in an 8 hour class offered by an UMCOR-certified trainer.  The dates for this current training are Oct. 19, 21, 26, & 28, from 7-9PM. Participants MUST attend all 4 sessions to be considered for certification.  Deadline to register is October 12.
• Applicants must be 18 years or older.
• Applicants must submit to and pass a background check.
• Applicants must work on at least one Early Response Team within 3 years of completing the Basic class.