PRESS RELEASE - Coming Rains Serve as Reminder to Sweep Up Leaves, Prepare for Weather Changes - 11/20/2018
For immediate release: Nov. 20, 2018
Contact: Bryan Dahl, 415-554-6939
Coming Rains Serve as Reminder to Sweep Up Leaves, Prepare for Weather Changes
San Francisco Public Works crews clearing catch basins, offering free sandbags
San Francisco, CA – With the season’s first rains expected to move into the City by Wednesday morning and last until the weekend, now is a great time to start preparing for the coming winter months. By grabbing a broom and sweeping up leaves on the sidewalk, curbside gutters and catch basins and placing them in a compost bin, residents and businesses owners can help minimize the risk of localized flooding.
The City maintains all of San Francisco’s 25,000-plus storm drains, which also are known as catch basins. When they clog with debris and leaves, catch basins can build up with rainwater runoff and flood nearby streets, sidewalks and properties. Residents can help keep storm drains clear and receive free cleaning tools and training by joining the City’s Adopt-A-Drain program.
To help prepare for wet weather and storms, Public Works is again this year providing San Franciscans with up to 10 free sandbags. The giveaway is intended for residents whose properties are prone to flooding and have flooded in the recent years.
Sandbags can be picked up Monday-Saturday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Public Works Operations Yard, Marin Street/Kansas Street gate. To retrieve sandbags, proof of a San Francisco address is required.
“Public Works crews are preparing for the rains and are taking the necessary precautions to ensure homes, businesses and the right of way remain unharmed,” said Public Works Director Mohammed Nuru. “We are asking our residents to also do their part in keeping the City safe by participating in our sandbag program and sweeping up loose debris.”
Residents and business owners should call 311, use the free SF311 mobile app or log on at sf311.org to report clogged storm drains, flooding, downed trees and hanging tree limbs.
About San Francisco Public Works: The 24/7 City agency cleans and resurfaces streets; plants and nurtures City-maintained street trees; designs, constructs and maintains City-owned facilities; inspects streets and sidewalks; builds curb ramps; eradicates graffiti; partners with neighborhoods; trains people for jobs; greens the right of way; and eradicated our communities.
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Press Releases
Start Date
November 20, 2018
Mission
San Francisco Public Works is one of the largest and most complex municipal operations in the City, with a 1,600-member workforce and a $384 million annual operating budget. The department's active capital project portfolio exceeds $3 billion. As one of San Francisco oldest City departments, it is also one of the most forward-thinking. Keeping San Francisco beautiful, safe and sustainable.
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