During this week's storm, San Francisco urges the public to keep 9-1-1 available for police, fire, and medical emergencies that impact life and safety. People should also call 9-1-1 for downed power lines and gas leaks. Residential or street flooding issues are important, however, if lives are not in danger, please use 3-1-1. 

Residents are asked to report non-life-threatening storm issues to 311, such as:

• Clogged catch basins
• Non-life-threatening street and residential flooding
• Sewer backups or wastewater odors
• Downed trees

Reports may be submitted via the SF311 app, available on iPhone or Android, online at sf311.org, or by calling 3-1-1. 311 is available 24/7 with translation services in more than 200 languages.

In preparation for the storm, the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) and San Francisco Public Works (DPW) are clearing storm drains, monitoring low-lying areas, addressing service requests, and providing sandbags for San Francisco residents and businesses whose properties are prone to flooding during heavy rains.

During the storm, the SFPUC. DPW and the Recreation and Parks Department (RPD) will have maintenance crews on duty, including arborists, gardeners and general laborers, to address downed trees and limbs during storm days. Stern Grove and Pine Lake Park will remain closed until Friday due to heavy winds and rain. The City continues to evaluate other roadways and may potentially close other routes for safety. While they have not announced the closure of the Upper Great Highway - please avoid this route if possible given the mudslides that occurred during last week's storm. 

For our unhoused neighbors, the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing (HSH) has made additional shelter beds available at MSC South (525 5th Street), Next Door (1001 Polk Street), and Sanctuary (201 8th Street). These beds can be accessed by walking-up on a first come, first serve basis beginning at 4:00 pm daily. San Francisco’s Interfaith Winter Shelter Program is active and provides additional shelter capacity for people experiencing homelessness during the winter months. The Interfaith Program is currently located at St Mary’s Cathedral (111 Gough Street) and can be accessed by walking-up on a first come, first serve basis beginning at 6:00 pm daily. For more information please visit:  https://hsh.sfgov.org/services/how-to-get-services/accessing-temporary-shelter/

The upcoming storm has the potential to impact transportation, utilities and cause localized flooding. As the City prepares, there are practical things residents, businesses and visitors can do to stay safe before, during, and after the storm:

Before the Storm

• Sign up for AlertSF by texting your Zip Code to 888-777 to receive real-time emergency alerts.
• Check your supplies and make sure you have what you need on hand: http://www.sf72.org/supplies.
• Check on friends and family who may need assistance preparing for the storm, especially the elderly, homebound, or neighbors with disabilities.
• Remove debris and sweep up any leaves from sidewalks and storm drains to keep them from getting clogged. Join San Francisco’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.
• If you live in an area that floods, Public Works will provide San Francisco residents and businesses up to five free sandbags leading up to and during severe rainstorms.  Sandbags can be retrieved daily between 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Public Works operations yard, Marin Street/Kansas Street gate. Bring proof of address. Sandbags also are sold at many local hardware and home improvement stores.
• Elevate belongings in garages or basements.

During the Storm

• Keep 9-1-1 available for life and safety emergencies. Report non-life threatening storm-related issues such as clogged catch basins, residential or street flooding, sewer backups, or wastewater odors to 311 online at sf311.org, on the 311 mobile app for Android and iPhone, or by calling 3-1-1. 
• Avoid driving during heavy rains and winds. If you have to be out, then stay away from flooded areas and downed power lines, whether in a car or on foot.  Do not drive through water more than 6 inches deep.
• If the power goes out, unplug and turn off appliances. Leave one light on to signal when power is restored.
• Avoid using candles during power outages to prevent  fire hazards.  Use flashlights or head lamps instead.
• Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.
• Stay informed: tune-in to KCBS (740 AM or 106.9 FM), local TV channels, or social media (@sf_emergency; @sfwater; @sfpublicworks; @sfdph ) for emergency advisories and instructions.
• Check on friends and family who may need assistance during the storm, especially elderly, homebound, or neighbors with disabilities.

After the Storm

• Check your home or business for flood damage and contact your insurer or landlord. Information about how to file a claim for injury, property damage or loss caused by the City and County of San Francisco can be found at sfcityattorney.org/claims or by calling (415) 554-3900. Claims filed will be investigated and evaluated by the City Attorney’s Office Claims Division.
• If you smell gas or suspect a gas leak, call 9-1-1. Then call PG&E at (800) 743-5000.
• Keep children and pets away from floodwaters and avoid outdoor areas that have been recently flooded. Remove shoes and wipe paws before returning indoors.
• If the power is off, throw away all discolored or foul-smelling food, especially meat, poultry, and fish, in the refrigerator. Freezer foods may last from 48 to 72 hours if the freezer is full and the door remains closed. If in doubt, throw it out.
• Continue reporting clogged catch basins, street flooding, sewer backups or wastewater odors to 311 online at sf311.org, on the 311 mobile app for Android and iPhone, or by calling 3-1-1.
• Check on friends and family who may need assistance after the storm, especially the elderly, homebound, or neighbors with disabilities.

For more severe storm safety information, visit www.sf72.org.

Sign Up for the District 1 Newsletter