As safety forces become (unfortunately) more experienced at disaster response, they are becoming less and less willing to let just any willing worker onto a disaster site. They are increasingly requiring certification for Early Responders. UMCOR is one of the agencies who is authorized to certify individuals, and has trained Joe and Katie Beran to provide such certification and identification.
What do Early Responders do?
- Go into a disaster site after the First Responders (Police, Fire and EMS Workers) have stated that the area is safe for “civilians.”
- Provide a Christian Presence in a disaster.
- Remove debris and make temporary repairs.
- Make a dwelling "Safe, Sanitary, and Secure."
- Document damages.
- Observe victim's needs and report these to the disaster relief operations.
- Share information (where is food available, when is FEMA coming, and where will they be, what radio stations are on air, whre are shelters open).
Why Do We Need Early Response Teams?
They provide immediate assistance to those older or disabled persons, who do not have their support system (family) nearby to assist them.
- It reassures victims that the church cares about them.
- It provides visibility for the United Methodist Church. We are always “First in and last out.”
- It speeds the response to victims.
- How Do We Equip an Early Response Team?
- The team must be self–contained.
- That is, they must have all the food, water, gasoline, tools, sleeping gear, hygiene necessities, and flexibility that they will need for their 3 day stay.
- If your church or group of churches trains and equips an Early Response Team, the Early Response Coordinator will call to schedule your participation in any disaster that occurs in the Texas Annual Conference.
What Training Is Required?
- Team Leader must have received PIM Team Leader Training and Early Responder Training.
- Every member must have received Safe Sanctuary Training, and passed a background check.
- It is strongly recommended that every member attend Early Responder Training.
- Skills are optional. Willing hands, ears, and eyes are necessary!
- When and where is training available?
- Training takes 4 hours, and is scheduled for Saturday mornings.
- The dates currently scheduled are June 17 (Sugar Land), July 8 (Navasota), and September 9 (Navasota). If you would like to attend any of these classes, please e-mail Mary Ann Hodges at maryannhodges1@aim.com.
If your church would like to host a training session, please e-mail Katie Beran at katieberan1226@yahoo.com. Dates are available on most Saturdays for the rest of the year, on a first come, first served basis.
