The need for a resilient, flexible, fast communication channel was brought into sharp focus during the 2018 wildfire season, and in events big and small since. Standing on Amateur Radio’s long-standing tradition of public service, the San Francisco Wireless Emergency Mesh was created to meet that need “When all else fails,” enabling our Served Agencies to serve Bay Area communities when they’re needed it most.

SFWEM’s IP-based, high-speed connectivity means your agency can use tools you’d normally use, even during a disaster. Email, instant messaging, VoIP telephony, live video streams, and other services can be deployed to places the Internet access isn’t available or has been destroyed.

Recent examples include:

• Providing live video feeds along a marathon’s route, allowing event planners and public safety officials to track the race’s progress, crowd density, and potential security threats in real-time.

• Rapidly provisioning backup internet and telephony services to an overflow EOC location during the COVID-19 pandemic, including a data link to the main EOC.

• Enhancing the safety of those staffing fire watch at a remote observatory during Public Safety Power Shutoffs with an emergency telephone link that doesn’t go down when the cell phone towers do.

How We Can Partner With You

Many Public Service and Non-Profit Agencies already have Amateur Radio operators in their ranks, and often have dedicated groups or clubs – such as an Auxiliary Communications Service, ARES/RACES club, or CERT/NERT – using to Amateur Radio.

SFWEM Volunteers can partner with these groups, teaching them how to best use the mesh to meet your needs, and helping acquire the right equipment. For special events like parades, races, civic celebrations, SFWEM can be integrated into an organizations communications plan. Such events also provide an excellent opportunity to see the mesh in action and better understand its capabilities.

SFWEM Volunteers can also work directly with agencies, connecting critical locations like fire or police stations, hospitals, DOCs or EOCs to the mesh with permanent installations. We can often help connect agency staff with the Ham Radio community, too, including finding ways to help staff get their own license.

How Much Will This Cost?

Our Served Agencies are often surprised at how inexpensive connecting to the mesh can be, even before potential grants or donations are factored in. Installing a Hardened Access Node with redundant power, VoIP Phones, and Wifi Access can often be accomplished for under $1,000.

SFWEM’s unique nexus of homeland security, disaster preparedness, and Amateur Radio communications means substantial grant opportunities exist. The relatively inexpensive nature of mesh equipment also means small grants or funding streams can go far, limiting the impact of joining the mesh on strained budgets.

Ready to Get Started?

Contact us ! We’ll connect you with the right SFWEM Volunteers to get your agency on SFWEM