User:REACTIntl

REACT began as a CB radio Emergency Channel 9 monitoring organization across the United States and Canada in 1962. Initially, the primary role of REACT volunteers was to monitor Channel 9, the CB Emergency Channel, to help motorists. Later, duties grew to include communications after disasters (tornadoes, floods...), and in some places before disasters (storm spotting). As well, REACT safety communications for parades, runs/walks and other community events became prominent. Although some REACT Teams still use CB primarily, a large percentage have now added amateur, FRS, GMRS, Multi-Use Radio Service (MURS), Trunked radio systems and business band radio (LMR) to their public service capabilities.

Objectives

To assist in any emergency by furnishing radio communications in cooperation with authorities and other volunteer organizations.
To practice and encourage operating excellence through skilled communications techniques.
To maintain equipment at peak efficiency and operate in accordance with all government regulations.
To advise the public on correct, effective use of CB Emergency Channel 9.

Mission

We will provide public service communications to individuals, organizations, and government agencies to save lives, prevent injuries, and give assistance wherever and whenever needed.

We will strive to establish a monitoring network of trained volunteer citizen-based communicators using any and all available means to deliver the message.

Core Values

Open and Effective Communication

Teamwork and Diversity.

Leadership and Accountability.

Integrity, Trust and Professionalism

Fiscal Responsibility

Excellence, Innovation and Development

History

1962 - A sick infant, a disabled car on a Chicago freeway, and a January blizzard prompted Henry B. (Pete) Kreer to envision using CB radio to get help in such emergencies. By April, REACT was founded, with Hallicrafter Radio as its first sponsor and Kreer as its Executive Director.

1967 - REACT approached FCC for a designated CB Emergency Channel.

1969 - REACT gained General Motors Research Labs as its new sponsor.

1970 - CB-9 was designated the 'Emergency and Travellers' Assistance Channel' by the FCC. The Ohio REACT Network was created. It worked with Ohio State Police to demonstrate how CB-9 could enhance highway safety. It later became the first REACT Council. REACT signed its first MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) with the American Red Cross.

1973 - REACT's Pete Kreer and Gerry Reese were interviewed on the NBC 'Today' show about the potential for highway safety of CB radio.

1975 - REACT became an Illinois not-for-profit corporation.

1976 - REACT held its first convention in Deerfield, IL. REACT participated in the White House Conference on CB Radio.

1977 - REACT launched its highway Safety Break program in co-operation with the American Trucking Associations. REACT developed the NEAR (National Emergency Aid Radio) safety program for the U.S. government.

1978 - REACT signed an MOU with Special Olympics.

1982 - REACT was honored with the first President's Volunteer Action Award

1984 - REACT assisted in introducing FRS (Family Radio Service).

1986 -'REACT Month' was observed for the first time.

1988 - REACT developed its 'Team Topics' newsletter for Teams. REACT introduced the CB-9 road sign to advise travellers of monitoring.

1991 - REACT published the first in a series of 'Team Training Modules' to advance its monitors' skills.

1993 - REACT agrees to Memorandum of Understandings with the American Red Cross, Salvataion Army and National Weather Service

1995 - REACT HQ established its first website on the internet. Rose City Windsor REACT, Ontario, launched the first REACT Team website. Several Teams responded to and assisted with the response to the bombing of the Alfred P Murrah Building (Oklahoma City Bombing)

1998 - REACT moved its Headquarters from Wichita, KS to the DC area.

2001 - Several Teams responded to and assisted with the response to the World Trade Center Attacks in NYC REACT agrees to Memorandum of Understanding with the American Radio Relay League

2002 - REACT assists with Olympic Torch Run REACT presented the first "Radio Hero Award" to an Indiana State Trooper

2010 - REACT moved its Headquarters from Suitland, MD to Dinwiddie, VA. REACT joins GERC - Global Emergency Radio Collaition as a Charter Member

2011 - REACT Announces 50th Anniversary Logo and 2012 Convention Site of Las Vegas Dallas County REACT hosts W1AW Site at HamCom in Texas REACT Teams involved in response to Hurricane Irene and Hurricane Lee

External links

Category:Amateur radio emergency communications organizations Category:Emergency communication