From: Rev. Bob Deich, Coordinator, Early Response Teams

The path of destruction from Hurricane Laura is immense, and we have over 2,000 families requesting assistance. We expect those numbers to rise dramatically over the next few days, as survivors return to their homes. We have done initial assessment work and authorities are opening areas for us to access and serve in.

We have deployed our ERT Chainsaw Teams and we are now issuing a general Louisiana Early Response Team Callout.

Please head here and register your desire to deploy as a Louisiana ERT. Early Response Teams (ERT's) fill a specific need in the early days after a disaster to clean out flood-damaged homes, remove debris, place tarps on homes, and otherwise help to prevent further damage while providing a caring Christian presence. ERT's are not the first-response group of emergency workers, nor are they recovery, rebuild, or repair teams. Under very specific guidelines, ERT's assist survivors, without causing further harm or being a burden to the affected community.

We are currently staging teams from two strategic locations, Lafayette and DeRidder, with housing at several churches, based on team size and our host church capabilities.
 

Two Days of Serving

These days are for ERT and non-ERT-trained volunteers
All volunteers must be 18 or older and no registration is required.

 

Date #1: Saturday, Sept. 5th

• St. Luke Simpson United Methodist Church in Lake Charles, 1500 Country Club Road
• 8:30 a.m.

Date #2: Monday, September 7th

• Maplewood United Methodist Church, 11 Center Circle
• 8:30 a.m.

Please wear closed-toed work shoes or boots, long pants, sunscreen, and hat; (bug repellant is recommended)
Bring gloves and a sack lunch. 
Groups should bring an ice chest with ice and first aid kit.
Minimum age is 18.

We will contact you after we receive your registration, and will seek to deploy you as we match our clients needs and specifics you include in your registration (skills, experience, availability, etc.). There are many tasks and we encourage you to register and let us match you to the area of greatest need. Let's continue in prayer for those impacted and for those who seek to serve in the days ahead.