Disaster Response Travel Team
Disaster can strike at any time. We are developing two types of Disaster Response Travel Teams to meet the needs of neighbors who have experienced disasters in their communities.
Early Response Team - Works to stop further damage immediately after the rescue phase of a disaster.
Are you interested in joining an Early Response Team (ERT)? The mission of an ERT is “to provide a caring Christian presence in the aftermath of a disaster.” Suamico United Methodist Church is in the process of training and recruiting a team. However, in the wake of the most recent disasters we are moving forward with an increased sense of urgency. Our goal is to recruit and train about 30 individuals, of which approximately 10 would be available for deployment at any given time. Usually 3-Day deployments. Early Response Team Certification training through UMCOR required in many deployments. Email for more information.
Long-Term Recovery Team - Works to rebuild as people recover from a disaster.
The Long-Term Recovery Teams work through the Volunteers in Mission program to help people rebuild after a disaster. These teams stay on site for one week or more to recover and rebuild. Early Response Team certification is not required. Volunteers in Mission Team Leader training available for organizing and managing teams effectively.
Early Response Team Frequently Asked Questions
What kinds of skills are needed to be on an Early Response Team (ERT)?
• Skills are less important than a desire to provide a caring Christian presence. Each team will ideally have volunteers with a variety of skills and experience, and together we would be able to handle most situations.
• Perhaps the most significant requirements are a desire to serve, and the availability to serve and deploy on fairly short notice.
What kinds of roles are ideally included with each ERT? Briefly summarized:
• Leader and Assistant Leader
• Logistics – someone who can help organize transportation and supplies
• Base camp manager – someone to plan for and coordinate meals and overnight stays
• Equipment manager – to coordinate and secure the tools and equipment needed
• Safety leader – to ensure a safe worksite and protective gear
• Spiritual leader – to keep us grounded in prayer and scripture each day.
How long is a deployment?
Deployment is limited to three full days on site, plus travel time to and from.*
What kinds of training will be required?
• Everyone must attend Safe Sanctuary training (approximately 30 minutes)
• One-third of all team members are required to be ERT certified, which is a one-day process. We will schedule training once we have identified potential team members. Some deployments require ERT certification for the entire team.
• Chain saw training is available and required for anyone using a chain-saw on site.
• Additional higher-level ERT training is available.
What else is required of a team logistically?
• Each team must come prepared to be 100% self-sufficient. This includes shelter at times, food, water, tools, etc. so the team is not a burden to those who have experienced the disaster.
• As part of training, guidance will be provided on what to plan for and what to pack. This will also vary depending on the role the team will play at the disaster site.
How will this be funded and insured?
• Each team will be responsible for securing its own funding.
• Trip insurance is available to cover medical evacuation and liability through the North Central Jurisdiction Volunteers in Mission.
When does a team get deployed?
Teams are usually deployment within their Conference (such as the Wisconsin Conference). However, deployment elsewhere is possible ON REQUEST when that Conference’s resourced are maxed out. This is expected to be the case with Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Interested in longer-term deployments for rebuilding? Join a Volunteers in Mission Long-Term Recovery Team.