Early Response Team (ERT)

The Early Response Team

was developed to help organize and train people
to be prepared to assist when a disaster such as a hurricane,
tornado, or flood struck.

Several
members of St Matthew’s joined this early effort and received
training to prepare them for providing relief to disaster victims.
Our existing program is

designed for trained second responders to local and national
fire/rescue in the event of disasters.  A trailer was
purchased and outfitted by the Conference to provide a means for
this team to carry the tools and support equipment needed to be
self-sufficient at a disaster site.
The ERT is activated and deployed when a disaster happens.
Follow-up assistance in ravaged areas is often provided by

United Methodist Volunteers in Missions (UMVIM) teams.

Early Response Training Fall 2010

ERT Reports

History of St. Matthew’s Early Response Efforts

November
2004, Mission to Arcadia, Florida following Hurricane Andrew

Report to the Conference

Photo report

Hurricane Katrina Relief Log

St. Matthew’s is involved directly or indirectly in various efforts
to help victims of Hurricane Katrina.  Read September 2005
reports of providing aid – reports from Bowie and on the scene in
Mississippi.