Conference Committee
Disaster Response (ERT)
Ministries of Faith in Action
Providing a caring Christian presence in the aftermath of a disaster.
When natural disasters occur, the Desert Southwest Conference Disaster Response Team is ready to respond. Trained and equipped, teams deploy into the affected areas to tarp roofs, muck out flooded homes, and remove debris making homes safe and secure for the survivors.
Our primary mission is “to provide a caring Christian presence in the aftermath of a disaster.” (UMCOR) To accomplish this mission, we receive training in disaster relief and deepen our commitment to serving others in need.
Not all have the capacity to deploy, however, teams need persons who hold them and the survivors in prayer. Others are needed to fund the purchase of supplies used by the team, the maintenance of the response trailer, and the expenses for the deployment. To donate, please follow this link: https://dscumc.org/secure/dsc-early-response-team-ert-donation.
Team leaders must be ERT trained first.
News & Events
Hurricane recovery begins in Florida
Give to the United Methodist Committee on Relief’s U.S. Disaster Response and Recovery through Advance #901670.
Virtual ERT Recertification Available on October 1
Every 3 years, Early Response Team members must complete a refresher class to remain eligible to serve on disaster response teams. The 4-hour class, now offered virtually, includes additional training in the impact of disasters on individuals, organization and...
UMCOR Flood Buckets Change
Learn about UMCOR's management change for flood buckets and hygiene kits filled with essential products for survivors of floods, hurricanes, tornados, and fires.
UMCOR and CWS launch new menstrual hygiene kits
Originally published at https://umcmission.org/july-2022/umcor-and-cws-launch-new-menstrual-hygiene-kits/ Media Contact: Dan Curran for Global Ministries/UMCOR 770-658-9586 dancurran@curranpr.com The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) and Church World...
Disaster Response Teams Active in Mission
By Rev. Tom Mattick With fires, floods, and disasters amid the COVID pandemic, the Desert Southwest Conference Early Response Teams are actively engaged in relief efforts. In June, as many as 14 persons went to Globe, AZ to assist the Salvation Army and other...
ERT readiness for Hurricane Ida
By Rev. Tom Mattick You have likely watched as Hurricane Ida made landfall yesterday and in its wake left catastrophic damage. This morning, I sent an email to Bob Deich, the Louisiana Coordinator of Disaster Response assuring him of our prayers as he assesses the...
It’s fire and flood season – here’s what your church do to help
2020 and 2021 have seen perhaps the greatest number, intensity, area, destruction, and property damage of any fires in known history – not only in the U.S. but around the world. Firefighters, state and federal agencies, and disaster networks in Northern California,...
Responding to Disasters
The Desert Southwest Early Response Team (ERT) has responded to disasters outside and within the bounds of the annual conference. The next training event is August 11 in Prescott, Arizona.
Fire Relief Buckets and ERT Ash Sifters are needed
By Tom Mattick, Conference Disaster Response Coordinator, and Polly Turner, ERT Trainer With the fires in the town of Bagdad, we are reminded of the fire risks associated with the drought and the devastation they can cause to properties and structures in their...
Early Response Team Training – September 2, 2021
ERT mission teams respond to natural disasters across the country, bringing Christian presence of hope when a home has been damaged. We remove debris and salvage belongings to create a safe, sanitary, and secure home. Other times we work in a disaster center helping them make necessary decisions or meeting their special needs. We work with many other religious, government, and secular organizations to mitigate their losses.
Contact
Rev. George Cushman
Conference Disaster Response Coordinator
Billie Fidlin
Director of Justice & Outreach Ministries
Rev. Tom Mattick
ERT Trainer
Call Tom
Polly Turner
ERT Trainer
Call Polly
Call the Desert Southwest Conference
Donate to ERT Supplies and Scholarships
Disaster Response Archives
Contact Disaster Response
Resources
ERT Guidance for COVID
Short Description
Brotherhood Mutual
Advice about COVID-19
Advance #982450
International Disaster Response
Advance #901670
USA Disaster Response
Disaster Response Invitation Video Download
Share this video at your church to promote ERT participation and training.
Become an ERT
3-copy handout about the process.
Flood Buckets Change
Contact Tom Mattick to learn where to send your buckets.
Flood or Clean Up Buckets
Contact Tom Mattick to learn where to send your buckets.
Clean up Bucket Supplies
Select to view and download the list and contact Tom Mattick about delivery.
Making a Flood Bucket Kit
Contact Tom Mattick to learn where to send your buckets.
