About
Blackberry REACT
REACT
International, and our local chapter, Blackberry REACT, initially
used Citizen Band (CB) radios to provide emergency road assistance to
travelers. Now, radio communications has expanded to all kinds of
public service communications, including GMRS (General Mobile Radio
Service), UHF, and HAM radio.
After Katrina, after 9/11, after Super-storm Sandy, and after most
every other disaster (including
local major
emergencies
such as the Earthquake of 1989, the East Bay Firestorm in 1991, the
Morgan Hill fiber-optic cable cut in 2009, and
the San Bruno pipeline explosion in 2010) volunteer communicators have
played
a vital
role in helping first responders and aiding the public. Training and
practice made it possible.
Blackberry REACT provides
organizations with communications services when requested. These
volunteer services allow us serve the community,
and to train and practice for major emergencies.
Now
days, most of our communication is via either Ham radio or GMRS.
Service
Blackberry REACT
members volunteer
at community events
within its service area (Cupertino to Millbrae, from Skyline to the
Bay) by providing communications support at:
- Civic Parades
- Charity Walks &
Runs
- Charity Bicycle
Events
- Arts & Crafts
Shows
- City Events
- County Events
- Classic Car Shows
Historical Note:
Blackberry REACT was chartered in 1972, long before there were
cell-phones.
The "Blackberry" in our name comes from a park near our founding
president's home;
Blackberry Farm in Cupertino. (However, there is no affiliation between
the two organizations.)
