Radio Emergency Associated Communication Teams
Encyclopedia
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.
to sponsor the REACT program. The initial requirement for a team was three members who agreed to monitor for CB emergencies. The first REACT colors were red and black. There were no dues or other requirements except to comply with government radio regulations.
By 1964, it was determined that there was a need for a designated CB Emergency Channel. REACT national headquarters asked all REACT Teams to monitor the channel as a voluntary emergency channel. REACT was at 800 Teams by this time.
In 1967, REACT initiated a movement to convince the FCC to designate channel 9 as the CB emergency channel.
In 1969, General Motors Research Labs assumed sponsorship of REACT. In the same year Jerry Reese came to REACT as Managing Director with Henry B. Kreer remaining with the title of Executive Director.
From 1970 to 1972, the Ohio REACT Emergency Network was formed, the same timeframe that channel 9 became the official CB emergency channel under FCC rules. This network issued several reports to state and federal agencies to detail the relationship between REACT and channel 9 as the emergency channel. This led to the formation of the Ohio State REACT Council as a pattern for future REACT Councils. REACT colors were changed to orange and black. The first Red Cross Memorandum of Understanding was reached and the documentary "Where Seconds Count" was produced. Dues were $1.00 per member with a $5.00 charter fee. All teams — new and existing — were issued a charter number. REACT Teams established in 1970 or earlier were designated 'charter' teams and identified with a "C" front of their Team numbers.
On April 24, 1973, NBC's Today Show televised an interview with Gerald Reese and Henry Kreer. Their discussion about REACT aired over 220 network TV stations and resulted in over 500 inquiries about the REACT program.
In 1975, REACT International became an independent organization as a not-for-profit corporation in Illinois. In 2007 REACT marked its 45th anniversary.
Citizens' band radio
Citizens' Band radio is, in many countries, a system of short-distance radio communications between individuals on a selection of 40 channels within the 27-MHz band. Citizens' Band is distinct from the FRS, GMRS, MURS and amateur radio...
Emergency Channel 9 monitoring organization across the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
and Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
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
Amateur radio
Amateur radio is the use of designated radio frequency spectrum for purposes of private recreation, non-commercial exchange of messages, wireless experimentation, self-training, and emergency communication...
, FRS
Family Radio Service
The Family Radio Service is an improved walkie talkie radio system authorized in the United States since 1996. This personal radio service uses channelized frequencies in the ultra high frequency band. It does not suffer the interference effects found on citizens' band at 27 MHz, or the...
, GMRS, Multi-Use Radio Service
Multi-Use Radio Service
In the United States, the Multi-Use Radio Service is an unlicensed two-way radio service similar to Citizens Band . Established by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission in the fall of 2000, MURS created a radio service allowing for unlicensed operation, with a power limit of 2 watts...
(MURS), Trunked radio systems and business band radio (LMR
Land Mobile Radio System
Land Mobile Radio System is a term that denotes a wireless communications system intended for use by terrestrial users in vehicles or on foot . Such systems are used by emergency first responder organizations, public works organizations, or companies with large vehicle fleets or numerous field...
) 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.
History
On January 23, 1962, REACT's founder, Henry B. "Pete" Kreer, convinced HallicraftersHallicrafters
The Hallicrafters Company manufactured, marketed, and sold radio equipment beginning in 1932. The company was based in Chicago, Illinois, USA.-History:William J. Halligan founded his own radio manufacturing company in Chicago in late 1932...
to sponsor the REACT program. The initial requirement for a team was three members who agreed to monitor for CB emergencies. The first REACT colors were red and black. There were no dues or other requirements except to comply with government radio regulations.
By 1964, it was determined that there was a need for a designated CB Emergency Channel. REACT national headquarters asked all REACT Teams to monitor the channel as a voluntary emergency channel. REACT was at 800 Teams by this time.
In 1967, REACT initiated a movement to convince the FCC to designate channel 9 as the CB emergency channel.
In 1969, General Motors Research Labs assumed sponsorship of REACT. In the same year Jerry Reese came to REACT as Managing Director with Henry B. Kreer remaining with the title of Executive Director.
From 1970 to 1972, the Ohio REACT Emergency Network was formed, the same timeframe that channel 9 became the official CB emergency channel under FCC rules. This network issued several reports to state and federal agencies to detail the relationship between REACT and channel 9 as the emergency channel. This led to the formation of the Ohio State REACT Council as a pattern for future REACT Councils. REACT colors were changed to orange and black. The first Red Cross Memorandum of Understanding was reached and the documentary "Where Seconds Count" was produced. Dues were $1.00 per member with a $5.00 charter fee. All teams — new and existing — were issued a charter number. REACT Teams established in 1970 or earlier were designated 'charter' teams and identified with a "C" front of their Team numbers.
On April 24, 1973, NBC's Today Show televised an interview with Gerald Reese and Henry Kreer. Their discussion about REACT aired over 220 network TV stations and resulted in over 500 inquiries about the REACT program.
In 1975, REACT International became an independent organization as a not-for-profit corporation in Illinois. In 2007 REACT marked its 45th anniversary.
External links
- REACT International, Inc., home page
- North Carolina REACT Teams
- Dallas County REACT, Inc. home page
- Tri-County REACT
- Nebraska Council of REACT Teams
- Heartland REACT (Omaha, NE)
- Florida Council of REACT Teams
- Southwestern REACT of San Diego County
- Wisconsin Council of REACT Teams
- Western Carolina, Tri-County R.E.A.C.T., Weaverville (NC)
- REACT Services Diversified, Inc. #4813
- REACT Lake Simcoe, Inc.
- REACT NEGOR Philippines
- Quad County REACT
- Apollo VII 4535