Disaster Response Committee Resources

Resources for Response

NC Conference Disaster Response Guidelines
(Condensed Version)

This grid is a quick reference guide to the NC Conference disaster plan. It outlines the duties of the Local Pastor, Disaster Response Committee, District Superintendent, the Bishop, MERCI and UMCOR during a disaster.

NC Conference Disaster Response Guide

The complete NC Conference guidelines for disaster response.

The North Carolina Conference Disaster Response Committee

Contact information

The Early Response Team

The key to a successful recovery effort depends on good casework. Each person/family requesting assistance from a disaster needs to be considered individually. After recovery needs and resources are determined, a response plan can be developed for the family to implement. When and where appropriate, the United Methodist Church will assist.

Therefore, the North Carolina Conference Disaster Response Committee provides that assistance through an opportunity for Christian Service for those wanting to give of their time in the early stages following a disaster.

Your service with an Early Response Team:

Reassures victims that the church cares about them.
Allows people to see that United Methodist are involved from the beginning.
Provides immediate assistance to persons, usually older or disabled, who might not have their support system (family) nearby to assist them.
Speeds the response to victims.

What do Early Response Teams do?

Provide a Christian presence... it can be the MOST important thing a team can do.
Debris removal and temporary repairs.
Make a dwelling "Safe, Sanitary, and Functional."
Observe victim's needs and report these to local relief operation.
Be a part of the caring ministry of "listeners" who will help victims begin to heal.

Disaster Response Training

Training is available through: MERCI, NCC Disaster Response Committee members, and NC United Methodist Volunteers in Mission (UMVIM). Classes are generally taught at MERCI. If you have 20 or more people, we can train in your location. Learn more about the training offered on our Training page including:

Early Response - Making an area safe, sanitary, and secure by doing temporary repairs.
Casework - Caseworkers stay with client until recovery is complete or another agency takes over.
Damage Assessment - What to look for; Where to look; How to estimate.
CARE Team - Emotional and spiritual care for those suffering the effects of a disaster.
Team Leadership - NC UMVIM - How to select team members; Qualities to look for; Details to consider; Arrangements to make.

Disaster Preparedness Resources

Learn about Local Church Disaster Preparedness and District/Conference-Level Disaster Preparedness.

Visit the Ready NC website sponsored by the NC Department of Crime Control and Public Safety. This website provides North Carolinians with useful information needed to prepare for all types of emergencies.