When disaster strikes — a storm, fire, flood, or any sudden community emergency — the first minutes and hours determine how many lives are saved and how many families remain together. The Weaver Mountains COERT (Community Outreach and Emergency Response Team) is a volunteer-driven, locally focused emergency response and outreach program that bridges critical gaps between first responders and neighbors in need. We train, equip, and mobilize community members so that help is already there when the call comes.

The problem: local vulnerabilities and scarce resources. Remote rural communities often face delayed emergency responses and lack quick access to crucial information and supplies after disasters. Seniors living alone, people with disabilities, households without transportation, and low-income families are most affected. Without organized local support, small emergencies can escalate into long-lasting crises.

Our approach: community-focused preparedness and swift response. COERT enhances neighborhood resilience with three integrated services.

• Preparedness training and outreach: free workshops, materials, and door-to-door readiness checks so households know evacuation routes, communication plans, and how to reduce risk.
• Rapid on-the-ground response: trained volunteer teams deliver first aid, conduct search & rescue, handle emergency communications, set up temporary shelters, and perform immediate needs assessments until professional responders arrive.
• Post-event recovery support: connecting affected families with supplies, mental health resources, housing assistance, and volunteers for cleanup and rebuilding.

Scan the QR Code to make a direct credit card donation.    You can also:  Click the link here to donate to COERT.