This week, another storm system is expected to hit San Francisco on Wednesday, January 4, 2023, and the National Weather Service forecasts heavy rain and high winds through the end of the week. With the city facing another atmospheric river, and likely flooding, we all must take steps to prepare. 

Plan Ahead

• Check your emergency supplies and make sure you have what you need on hand. Learn more at: sf72.org/supplies.
• Check on friends and family who may need assistance during 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.
• Call 3-1-1 for non-life-threatening storm issues. Call 9-1-1 for life-safety emergencies.
• If you’re able, stay home and stay off the roads.
• If you need assistance with preparing or finding resources, please call my office at (415) 554-7752 or email my office at [email protected].

Stay Informed

• Sign up for AlertSF by texting your Zip Code to 888-777 for real-time emergency alerts. 
• 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.
• For more safety tips, please visit sf72.org or call 3-1-1.
• For the latest forecast updates, visit weather.gov/bayarea.

Travel Safely

• Flooding is expected this week. Please stay off the roads as much as possible and avoid flood-prone areas. 
• Please avoid Marina Boulevard and avoid parking along Marina Boulevard and Marina Green. 

Flooding Preparedness

• For flooding caused by storm drains, catch basins, etc., please call 3-1-1 or the 24/7 San Francisco Department of Public Works Radio Room at 415-695-2134, and an SFPUC or Public Works crew will be dispatched to your location to clear storm drains. If you are aware of regular flooding at certain storm drains, it is recommended to call ahead if possible, as crews may be busier than usual during this time.
• Public Works will provide San Francisco residents and businesses with up to 10 free sandbags leading up to and during severe rainstorms. It’s intended for properties prone to flooding. People can retrieve sandbags Monday-Sunday, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Public Works operations yard, at 2323 Cesar Chavez St, San Francisco, CA 94124. Note: you must enter at the Marin Street/Kansas Street gate, just south of Cesar Chavez. Bring proof of address.
• You can also purchase sandbags from local hardware and home improvement stores.
• Learn more at sfpublicworks.org/sandbags.

In Case of Power Outages

• If the power goes out, unplug and turn off all appliances. Leave one light on to signal when power gets restored.
• Avoid using candles because they are a fire hazard, especially in San Francisco, due to so many wooden buildings.
• Have flashlights and extra batteries on hand.
• Stay away from flooded areas and downed power lines, whether in a car or on foot.
• Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.

Downed Power Lines

• Never touch a downed power line or go near one. Power lines are not insulated like power cords. Always assume a power line is live.
• Don't touch a downed power line or other equipment.
• Don't touch anything or anyone in contact with a downed power line.
• Keep children and pets away from a downed power line.
• Don't drive over a downed power line.
• Leave the area immediately, call 9-1-1, and report a downed power line to PG&E at 1-800-743-5000 or online.

Outreach & Shelter Information:

The Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing (HSH) has spots in temporary shelters. Currently, 311 is not making shelter reservations or maintaining a waitlist for shelter. Learn more at: hsh.sfgov.org/services/how-to-get-services/accessing-temporary-shelter/.

Thank you to our first responders, city workers, and neighbors who answered the call of duty this past Saturday. 

More information will be provided by the Department of Emergency Management over the next 24 hours and as soon as I have it I will be sure to share via social media, please follow me @SupStefani on Twitter, @supervisorstefani on Instagram, or on Facebook.    

If you need anything during this time, please call my office at (415) 554-7752 or email [email protected].

We’ll get through this storm together by staying prepared and staying informed.

Stay safe, everyone.