UMCOR Early Response Team (ERT) training is an 8-hour certification course that prepares volunteers to assist communities safely during the initial phase of a natural disaster. The program teaches safe debris removal, roof tarping, mucking out, and survivor care, providing credentials to enter restricted disaster zones.

Date: Saturday, August 29, 9am-5pm

Location: Sayers Memorial UMC, 6101 Catharine St. Philadelphia, PA 19143

Training Overview & Requirements:

Course Length: About 8 hours for basic certification; shorter sessions (3–4 hours) are available for 3-year recertification.

Age Requirement: Must be 18 years or older.

Mandatory Screening: Completion of an UMCOR background check.

Cost: FREE due to a generouse donor, which will cover materials, a badge, and a T-shirt.

What You Learn:

Safety Protocols: How to prevent further property damage safely without becoming a burden to the local community

.Core Skills: Basic home tarping ("blue-tarp"), clearing flood debris ("mud-out"), and initial damage assessment.

Care & Ethics: Providing a calm, caring Christian presence and interacting respectfully with traumatized survivors.