Posted on 07/13/2009 8:08:22 PM PDT by BenLurkin
When a major calamity like an earthquake strikes, your cellphone isn't likely to help you any more than an Internet hookup or a telephone land line. There's a strong chance none of these will work, at least not in the first tumultuous hours after the temblor strikes.
That's where REACT, or the Radio Emergency Associated Communication Team, comes in.
Dedicated to the use of two-way radio communication with area authorities, government agencies and other organizations, the 12-member Antelope Valley REACT is on call and ready to respond 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, throughout the Antelope Valley and in conjunction with other REACT members throughout California.
"People with cellphones think they have it made, but how are they going to communicate with family members and friends when they don't work during a disaster or emergency? In the last (5.4-magnitude Chino Hills) earthquake, cellphones didn't work for several hours. What if there is an even bigger earthquake, cellphones probably won't work for weeks," said Bill Rini of AV REACT. "Two-way radio is the best way to go."
Rini, the club president, said two-way radios do not rely on phone lines or towers. They transmit messages as far as 12 miles in optimal conditions, allow for regular voice communication and require no special training or expensive equipment.
REACT got its start when a group of radio enthusiasts decided to make themselves available to pass along distress calls from motorists using citizens band radio Channel 9.
Members would monitor CB Channel 9 and call the appropriate authority to respond to a motorist in need, report a collision to emergency dispatch, and alert motorists to hazards they might encounter.
(Excerpt) Read more at avpress.com ...
Our land lines and cell phones have gone out at the same time for days during big winter storms on the Oregon Coast.
I’ve never lost my land line during a Hurricane. Not in 40 years.
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