Emergency response training offered in Havre

In response to the multiple hurricanes, floods, wildfires and other natural disasters over the past few years, the United Methodist Committee on Relief is coming to Havre to hold early response team training for people interested in becoming team members to assist survivors in the early days following a disaster.

Trainees will learn the basics of disaster response, how to work effectively with survivors and the response team, and will develop skills to help survivors get back into their homes and begin the recovery process, a press release about the training said.

Training is available to anyone 18 years or older who is willing to serve in disaster relief. The training takes place Saturday, March 23, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The training will be held at Van Orsdel United Methodist Church. UMCOR said participants do not need to be a member of the United Methodist Church.

People completing the training will receive a certification badge good for three years.

The training provides people the ability to prepare for and respond to disaster and to help people recovering from disasters. Participants will learn the basics of disaster response, including how to stabilize and secure home safely, and how to work effectively with survivors and others.

Lunch will be provided to people at the training.

The Rev. William “Mac” McGrew, pastor of the Van Orsdel church, said this is the first United Methodist Committee on Relief early response team training offered in north-central Montana.

To register for the training, people can email [email protected] and can can learn more about the program by visiting https://www.mtnskyumc.org/ERTprogram/.