AERO, Auxiliary Emergency Radio Organization

has been organized to provide support to the public in becoming effective emergency communicators by providing training, licensing, drill and practice, and appropriate equipment. It does this by acting directly and by supporting allied organizations with like goals.

What will San Francisco need for communications after the BIG ONE?

Let's assume a magnitude 9.5 quake (same as Chile, 1960; there was a 9.2 in Anchorage AK, 1964). Let's assume both bridges are out, BART tube is questionable. Highways 101 (on fill), 1 (subject to slides in a little rain) and 280 (lots of bridges) are crippled. Land-line and cell telephone service is disabled; all connections to the Internet are out.

San Francisco is on its own, with whatever is already in place, operational, and tested, and not destroyed or severely damaged.

AERO is not competent to address the issues of food, water, housing, health or public safety. But we are specialists in communications. The AERO vision is a plan for EMERGENCY, PRIORITY, and HEALTH & WELFARE MID to LONG DISTANCE communications with Sacramento, Stockton, Fresno, Los Angeles, San Diego and points east such as Washington DC. This will provide links to unaffected sites which can render the aid we need, as we can communicate our needs to them.


The "old" mint withstood the 1906 quake without substantial damage. A proper disaster communications system will withstand a similar future quake and then function well.

To see what such a system might look like, see AERO Vision Needs.

With these people and equipment in place and drilled, we can provide the essential communication San Francisco's PEOPLE will need after a disaster. Without this capability, we will suffer relying on mass media to send our message of loss and hope.

Now is the time to build this, after the quake it is way too late.

What will all this cost? About $250,000 one-time expense.

Fueled and largely staffed by volunteers, a shoe-string budget is enough. We need your support now. Mostly we need a statement in your own words why you want post-disaster communications. That staying connected to your friends and family is a need, not just a wish. Then we need some money. Whatever you can spare without pain. You can send your contribution to:

AERO c/o Dave Gomberg, Founder
7 Gateview Court
San Francisco CA 94116-1941

As of February 4, 2006 the IRS has approved AERO's application for 501(c)(3) status.

For a complete history of the AERO vision, click here. Questions? Email dave1 at sfwcf dot com or call 415-731-7793.

Last updated: May 13, 2006