There’s still time to sign up to become part of a local early response team being formed and trained now, says Rev. Gail Seibert.

“Our Early Response Team training will be Saturday, February 4, starting at 8 a.m., beginning in the First United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall.”

Although the team will deploy to a disaster scene as part of the Methodist relief organization UMCOR, she stresses that everyone is needed. “All members of the community, regardless of religious affiliation, are invited,” she said.

The training will start with classroom time. “Team members will learn general information about becoming a UMCOR team member, plus the different positions on the team, and what to pack,” Rev. Seibert said. “They’ll also learn how to deal with emotional stress during a disaster situation both for them as well as people they’re helping.”

The second part of the day will move to the forestry office on the Tignall Road for certification in chainsaw operation by a member of the Georgia Forestry Service.

“Certification by the Georgia Forestry Service will take about three hours with a presentation and then hands-on training of tree removal,” she said. “Please contact First United Methodist Church – 6787116 – to find out what you need to bring.”