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 (such as
tornadoes and
floods), and in some places before disasters (storm spotting). As well, REACT safety communications for parades, runs/walks and other community events became prominent. Now, REACT Teams rarely 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. Their original purpose, to monitor CB, has largely gone by the wayside.