FAQ About The Northern Rhode Island REACT Team

How do I join Northern RI REACT? We are always looking for good people that want to join our group! Interested individuals are invited to attend one of our monthly meetings, which are held the third Wednesday of the month at 7PM in the North Smithfield EMA office located in Town Hall at 83 Greene St. (except July & August). At the meeting, you will have the opportunity to learn more about our team and what we do. You will also be given the opportunity to complete a membership application, which asks for your contact information, radio communication capabilities you currently have, and whether you have any training in emergency procedures. You will also be asked to sign a consent form giving us permission to conduct a criminal records check.  While awaiting membership approval, you are welcome to join us for any activities we may be working. Once the membership votes to accept you onto our team, you will be issued a unit number and assigned a trainer. This trainer will work with you for a period of time, usually three to six months, answering questions and providing instructions. We expect participation in projects and attendance at meetings but realize people have other commitments (families, jobs, etc.) and cannot attend every function. Of course, the benefit of regular participation is that we all become accustomed to working with each other. However, it is most important that our volunteers be available to serve during times of real emergency. If you are interested in joining Northern RI REACT, please plan to attend our next monthly meeting. If you've read over this website and still have questions, please send a note to one of our team members.

How much does it cost? Being a Northern RI REACT member is not an inexpensive "hobby." All expenses are borne by the individual member. For example, extra uniforms and emergency equipment are paid for by the individual member. You use your own vehicle -- so the costs associated with the operation of your vehicle are your responsibility. Once you have completed training, Northern RI REACT will provide you a radio, batteries, and a charger.
 

What is Northern RI REACT's mission and what jobs do members perform? Take a look at our home page for a description of the Mission and what we do.
 

Do the members wear uniforms? Yes and no. For scheduled events such as the planned events, REACT members will wear the "full dress" uniform the brown and tan. For other events, REACT members may be directed to wear the "work" uniform. In the event of an emergency, uniforms are not required -- just your participation! It is the individual member's responsibility to purchase the required uniform items.
 

Do Northern RI REACT members receive training? Yes. Once you become a REACT member, you will be working with another experienced member (your "trainer"). This member will provide on-the-job training on traffic control and direction, radio operation and communications, and our normal procedures. Additional classes are available on line(Incident Command Training) or through Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency. CERT classes are available from within the EMA.
 

Will I have to equip my personal vehicle with amber emergency lights? No. How you choose to equip your personal vehicle is a matter of your personal choice; however, your "trainer" and the board members will be responsible to insure your vehicle is adequately equipped to meet the REACT mission and to provide for both the public and your personal safety. Amber lights are up to the REACT member to purchase and are not required. Most members use portable (Amber) lights magnetically mounted. Many are very inexpensive and can be purchased online or in auto part stores.