STATEMENT OF UNDERSTANDING
between
 REACT INTERNATIONAL, INC.
and the
 AMERICAN NATIONAL RED CROSS

INTRODUCTION

REACT International. Inc. was begun in 1962 after the advent of Citizens Band Radio Service in 1959. REACT teams provide supplementary, short-range communication on various radio frequencies on an organized, voluntary basis in emergencies or disasters. Local REACT teams working cooperatively with the American Red Cross and amateur radio operators have demonstrated their effectiveness and dedication repeatedly during the past decades.

Recognizing the mutual advantages of cooperative understanding. the American Red Cross and REACT International. Inc., present this expression of their mutual desire for cooperation at all levels in the public interest.

PURPOSE  

The purpose of this document is to state the terms for an understanding between REACT International. Inc. and the American National Red Cross. This document will serve as a broad framework for the understanding. Volunteer personnel of the local REACT teams may coordinate their facilities and equipment with the American Red Cross chapters. Agreements for communications support for emergency and disaster relief, inclusive of any disaster except that caused by enemy action will be made at the local level.

DEFINITION OF DISASTER  

A disaster is an occurrence, such as hurricane. tornado. storm, flood, high water. wind-driven water, tidal wave. earthquake. drought, blizzard, pestilence. famine. fire. explosion. building collapse, transportation wreck. or other situation that causes human suffering or creates human needs that the victims cannot alleviate without assistance.

AUTHORITY OF THE AMERICAN RED CROSS  

By congressional charter dated January 5. 1905. the American National Red Cross was designated the nationwide agency through which the American people voluntarily extend assistance to individuals and families in need as a result of disaster. In part. the charter provides that the Red Cross shall-

• continue and carry on a system of national and international relief in time of peace and apply the same in mitigating the suffering caused by pestilence. famine. fire. floods, and other great national calamities.
  
  
• and devise and carry on measures for preventing the same.  

RECOGNITION  

The American Red Cross recognizes that REACT International , Inc. because of the excellent geographical coverage provided by its affiliated REACT teams, can render valuable aid in maintaining the continuity of local communications during disasters and emergencies when normal communication facilities are disrupted or overloaded.

REACT International. Inc. recognizes the American Red Cross as the agency chartered by Congress through which the American people voluntarily extend assistance to individuals and families in need as a result of disasters.

ORGANIZATION OF THE AMERICAN RED CROSS  

The national headquarters of the American Red Cross is located in Washington, D.C. National headquarters is responsible for implementing policies and regulations that govern Red Cross activities. for giving administrative and technical supervision and guidance to chapters and other national sector units within geographical jurisdictions, and for maintaining financial control of the organization.

The chapter is the local unit of the American Red Cross and is responsible for all local Red Cross activities within its jurisdiction. subject to the policies and regulations of the corporation. There are approximately 2,600 chapters across the United States.

Each chapter is responsible for developing a special disaster preparedness and relief organization composed of the best-qualified paid and volunteer staff available The chapter disaster committee studies the disaster hazards of the locality and surveys local resources for personnel, equipment, supplies, transportation, emergency communications and facilities available for disaster relief. The chapter disaster committee also formulates cooperative plans and procedures with local government agencies and private organizations for carrying on relief operations should a disaster occur. Through its nationwide organization, the Red Cross coordinates its total resources for use in large disasters.

ORGANIZATION OF REACT  

Established in 1962. REACT International. Inc. is an international association of local teams whose members volunteer their assistance and provide citizens with two-way radio communications in local emergencies. Each REACT team accepts the responsibility for maintaining a station or system monitoring the Federal Communications Commission designated emergency channel frequencies, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. At a minimum, the REACT teams monitor Citizen Band Radio Channel 9. This makes each team a working. active unit ready to response to community needs for emergency communications

Each REACT team is a wholly independent entity. Each team has its own form of administration and control designed for local needs and conditions by its membership. Because Citizen Band radio communication systems are designed for local communications. there is no limit on the number of REACT teams chartered within any given geographical area. In metropolitan areas. in particular, several teams may be needed to give adequate coverage.

Although REACT is oriented towards local emergency communications needs. the international organization provides the necessary liaison between local teams and other national and international organization. REACT International . Inc. accumulates information on new emergency techniques from hundreds of communities and develops materials and programs to help local teams.

REACT International. Inc.. on behalf of local teams throughout the nation, works effectively with other national emergency organizations. including the American National Red Cross, the American Radio Relay League, the Federal Communications Commission, and FEMA, to coordinate proper use of local two-way radio communications.  

METHODS OF COOPERATION  

In order that the communication facilities of local two-way radio service may be coordinated and used to the fullest advantage during disasters and emergencies. the American Red Cross and REACT International. Inc.. have agreed to the following:

1. Through either its international office in Wichita. Kansas or its Government Relations Committee in Washington. D.C. . REACT International . Inc. will maintain liaison with Disaster Services at American Red Cross national headquarters.
   
   
2. REACT International and Red Cross Disaster Services will work together to form the closest possible cooperation in emergency communications planning and the coordination of local radio service communication facilities for disaster relief operations.
   
   
3. The Red Cross welcomes the cooperation and assistance of REACT International . Inc. . and its affiliated REACT teams to extend emergency communications planning into the jurisdictions of the chapters. The chapters may request one or more members of the local REACT team to volunteer for pre-disaster planning and during disaster emergencies.
   
   
4. The placement of REACT equipment on Red Cross chapter property may be done where mutually acceptable terms to both organizations are reached regarding space. security access, and liability. The requisite transmitters. aerials or other equipment or easements requiring public approval licensure. or permission will be addressed in local negotiations between the REACT team and the Red Cross chapter prior to placement.
   • All equipment placed on Red Cross property remains the property of the REACT team. The REACT equipment shall only be used under the direction and authorization of the REACT team.
   • If clarification is required on any point, the respective national organization will resolve the issues.
     
     
5. Whenever there is a disaster or an emergency requiring the use of local radio communication facilities. the American Red Cross may request the assistance of the REACT teams nearest the scene. This assistance may include:
   • The alerting and mobilization of volunteer emergency communications personnel by a prearranged plan.
   • The establishment and maintenance of fixed. mobile, and portable emergency communication facilities for local radio communications coverage and point-to-point contact between Red Cross officials and locations as required.
   • Provision for adequate local communications for the duration of the emergency or until substantial regular communications as restored.
   • The Red Cross chapters and REACT teams will be encouraged to work together in pre-disaster planning. exercises and drills.
     
     
6. The American Red Cross will furnish copies of this understanding to its chapters. REACT International, Inc. will furnish copies to local REACT teams.

AMENDMENT PROCEDURES  

This Statement of Understanding may be amended at any time in the following manner:

• Amendments requested by the President or Chairman of the Board of Directors. REACT International. Inc. shall be forwarded to the Vice President. Disaster Services. American Red Cross for review. Upon approval, the amendment shall be forwarded to the American Red Cross Headquarters for approval and signature.
  
  
• An amendment by the American Red Cross shall be coordinated through the Voluntary Agencies. Disaster Services and then forwarded to the REACT International. Inc. Headquarters. Wichita, Kansas for review. Upon approval, the amendment shall be forwarded to the Chairman of the Board for approval and signature.
  
  
• Once all parties have reach an agreement on the proposed amendment. the Statement of Understanding shall be changed and pages of the Statement of Understanding on which the amendment appear shall be replaced.
  
  
• The amendment shall become effective on the last date shown on the amendment when signed by both parties.
  
  
• If both parties cannot agree to the amendment. an effort shall be made to reach an acceptable compromise. If a compromise cannot be reached, the amendment will not be made. If an amendment is rejected, by either party. the original Statement of Understanding provisions remain in effect.

EFFECTIVE DATE  

This Statement of Understanding shall become effective on the last date shown below when executed by both parties. This Statement of Understanding is valid and binding until termination by either party upon 60 days written notice.

SIGNATURES