HOWARD COUNTY REACT
Radio Emergency Associated Communications Team
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Certifications
Members of Howard County REACT assist with numerous community-sponsored events, through radio communications, first aid, traffic control and more. Howard County REACT also assists Howard County Police, Howard County Department of Fire & Rescue Services and other agencies in the region.
Communications
At the core of our mission, is providing communications support within the community for various situations. In a disaster response and recovery capacity, our members work closely with public services agencies, Red Cross, and others.
We also provide communications support to various community sponsored events such as runs, marathons, parades, fireworks displays, festivals and others to ensure the safety of it's participants.
Our communications capabilities include HAM, GMRS, CB, and Business Band.
First Aid
Most members of Howard County REACT are trained in various levels of medical certifications, including standard and emergency first aid, CPR and AED.
Should a medical situation should occur at a community event, Howard County REACT members strive to be on scene as quickly and as safely as possible. REACT members will use a combination of their skills, equipment, knowledge and training to ensure proper medical assistance is provided until EMS arrives on scene.
Not only does Howard County REACT provide first aid support at community events, they also provide this service when needed by local public service agencies.
CERT
CERT (or Community Emergency Response Teams) is a FEMA sponsored, citizen's response program. Typically coordinated through a local jurisdiction's local fire department or EOC (Emergency Operations Center), CERT provides an immediate response to local disasters should a local emergency service become over-whelmed.
Services provided by CERT teams include Disaster Preparedness, Fire Safety & Utility Controls, Disaster Medical Operations, Light Search and Rescue, CERT Organization, Disaster Psychology, and Terrorism Response.
NIMS (National Incident Command Structure)
In addition to communications and CERT training, many of our Advanced Level members have training in NIMS. NIMS is a standardized approach to incident management developed by the United States Department of Homeland Security. It is intended to facilitate coordination between all responders (including all levels of government with public, private, and nongovernmental organizations).
Traffic Control
Howard County REACT members are trained for traffic control. This is essential for various community events, disasters, and even everyday public service responses when emergency services are overwhelmed. This service frees up local emergency agencies so they can more quickly and appropriately respond to critical tasks.
Crowd Control
Crowd control is another essential service for various public service and disaster response services. The ability to sort and direct large crowds helps event organizers and disaster response agencies achieve their tasks more efficiently while maintain a safe environment for citizens.
