FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   

Friday, December 15, 2023   

Contact: Mayor’s Press Office, mayorspressoffice@sfgov.org   

***PRESS RELEASE***   

MAYOR BREED AND CITY LEADERS ISSUE PREPAREDNESS TIPS AS WINTER STORM SEASON BEGINS  

Small businesses, property owners, and residents are encouraged to begin taking preventative steps to ensure structures and homes are protected from any potential damage caused by flooding and other wintery weather impacts  

San Francisco, CA—Mayor London N. Breed and leaders from across the City today issued a winter storm reminder for residents, businesses and property owners about City resources available to assist small businesses and residents as San Francisco and the Bay Area anticipate heavy rain beginning this weekend and next week.   

Last year, San Francisco experienced unprecedented storms causing significant flooding, mudslides, and power outages that impacted local streets, public buildings and infrastructure, residences, businesses, and community facilities.   

“San Francisco is preparing for another wet winter. With erratic and unpredictable weather patterns caused by climate change, we are encouraging to residents and businesses to to take steps to prepare so we are ready for what comes,” said Mayor London Breed. “While we are investing $632 million to upgrade our water infrastructure to help reduce the risk of flooding in the future, we need to continue to prepare and plan ahead to minimize the impacts right now. I know our City crews are working hard to prepare, and we want to make sure residents have the resources as well.”   

The Mayor and City Departments, including the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC), Public Works, Department of Emergency Management (DEM) and public safety partners are asking residents, businesses and property owners to begin making winter storm preparations.  

While flooding is not anticipated over the next week, there are low-lying areas throughout the City that are prone to flooding after heavy rainfall. The SFPUC will continue to clear storm drains proactively and monitor spots across the City throughout the storm, with a particular focus on low-lying areas. Crews are ready to clear debris and keep stormwater runoff moving through the system.  

Sandbags Available for Residents and Businesses  

Public Works will provide San Francisco residents and businesses up to 10 free sandbags leading up to and during severe rainstorms. They are intended for properties prone to flooding.  

• Sandbags can be retrieved Monday-Saturday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Public Works operations yard, Marin Street/Kansas Street gate.   

• District 2 residents will have the opportunity to pick up sandbags today and Saturday at the Marina Green East parking lot  
• People must bring proof of address.   

More information may be found at https://www.sfpublicworks.org/sandbags.

If your business does experience flooding or other storm-related damage, here are some steps you can take:

• Make a record of your business losses by take photos and videos of damage.   

• Contact your insurance provider and/or landlord.  
• Reach out to the Office of Small Business at sfosb@sfgov.org or 415-554-6134. Small business specialists can refer you to advisors, financial options, permitting help, and more. 

For more information, please visit this page.  

How You Can Help  

• Join the SFPUC’s Adopt a Drain and Rain Guardians programs to “adopt” one of the 25,000 storm drains (or catch basins) or rain gardens in our beautiful city and pledge to keep it free of debris and help minimize risk of flooding.  
• Report clogged catch basins, street flooding, sewer backups or wastewater odors to 311 online at sf311.org, on the app for Android and iPhone, or by calling 3-1-1.   
• Sweep up leaves and litter from the sidewalks fronting your homes and businesses to help keep the storm drains clear.  
• Find out if your property is in the 100-year storm flood risk map   
• Elevate belongings in your garage and any low-lying areas on your property.  
• During storms, contact 9-1-1 to report downed power lines or other life-safety hazards. Contact 3-1-1 to report flooding.

Preparedness Tips  

Before a storm:

• Check www.sf72.org/supplies to learn more about emergency supplies you should have at home. Bring in, cover, and/or secure outdoor furniture and equipment.  

• Elevate belongings in garages or basements by moving them on top of carts or tabletops.  
• Pick up sandbags from Public Works distribution locations and place them in flood-prone areas around your home or business to prevent water intrusion.  
• Sign up for AlertSF by texting your zip code to 888-777 to receive real-time storm alerts.  

During a storm:  

• Keep 911 available for life safety emergencies.   
• Report street or residential flooding, clogged catch basins, sewer backups, or wastewater odors to 311.   
• Avoid driving during heavy rains and winds. Do not drive through water more than 6 inches deep.  
• Check on friends and family who may need assistance during the storm, especially those who are elderly, homebound, or neighbors with disabilities. 

After a storm:  

• Check your home or business for flood damage; if damage is present, contact your landlord or insurer. Information about how to file a claim for damage caused by the City can be found at sfcityattorney.org/claims.   
• Keep children and pets away from floodwaters and avoid outdoor areas that have recently flooded. Remove shoes and wipe paws before returning indoors. 

San Francisco has a variety of resources available for businesses, homeowners and property owners:  

• Floodwater Grants: Residential and commercial property owners who have experienced damage from heavy rains should take advantage of the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission’s Floodwater Management Grant Program, which can provide up to $100,000 for flood resiliency projects on their property. Examples include backflow preventers, flood barriers on doorsteps or driveways, water- resistant seals, sump pumps, and regrading driveways, among others. More information on floodwater grants and resources to get rain ready can be found at: sfpuc.org/rainreadysf.    

• Green Infrastructure Grants: Large public and private property owners can receive grants of up to $2 million per project for installing green stormwater infrastructure, which reduces stormwater runoff while enhancing quality of life. Examples include permeable pavement, rainwater harvesting, rain gardens, and vegetated roofs. Information on how to apply can be found at: sfpuc.org/gigrant. The SFPUC is also piloting a program for green infrastructure grants for residential properties and plans to expand that in the future.   
• Flood Insurance: Residents and businesses are encouraged to sign up for flood insurance. San Francisco is a member of the National Flood Insurance Program, which subsidizes flood insurance, bringing down the cost of insurance premiums and covering flood damage to buildings and building contents.  

“As city departments prepare for the wet weather season, it is important that we all do what we can at home to be ready for the next severe storm,” said Mary Ellen Carroll, Executive Director for the San Francisco Department of Emergency Management. “Now is a great time to take stock of your emergency supplies and plan for things like power outages and flooding. Helping friends and family who may need assistance preparing for storms is equally important. And know what to do during a severe storm emergency by signing up for AlertSF, San Francisco’s official emergency alert system.”  

“We have teams clearing storm drains across the city, and our crews will be working day and night throughout the rain to manage stormwater,” said SFPUC General Manager Dennis Herrera. “We’re also making major investments in infrastructure to minimize the impacts of increasingly intense storms on our communities. But the climate is changing faster than infrastructure can be upgraded. It’s important for residents and businesses to partner with us and take steps to protect their properties. We have resources to help, and together we can make a difference.”  

“We have teams on the ground now clearing storm drains and pruning trees. During the storms, we’ll have crews working around the clock – with the priority on keeping people safe, protecting property and minimizing transportation-related disruptions,” said Public Works Director Carla Short. “We ask members of the public to be prepared, too. Get sandbags if you think you need them and help keep the storm drains clear by sweeping up any leaves and litter in front of your homes and businesses.”              

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