PRESS RELEASE: Coming Rains Trigger Reminder to Sweep Up Leaves 10/13/16

Coming Rains Trigger Reminder to Sweep Up Leaves

City crews clearing catch basins, offering free sandbags

San Francisco, CA – With the season’s first rains expected to move into the City on Friday morning and last into the weekend, San Francisco Public Works is urging residents and businesses to sweep up leaves from the sidewalk to keep them from clogging catch basins. That simple act can help protect homes and businesses from localized flooding.

The City maintains 25,000 catch basins, also known as storm drains. When they get blocked by leaves and debris, rainwater runoff can build up and flood nearby streets and properties in low-lying areas. As a reminder, leaves should be placed in the green compost bins, and litter placed in the appropriate blue or blacks bins -- and not swept into the street.

To help residents prepare for storms, Public Works is again this year providing San Franciscans with up to 10 free sandbags. The giveaway is intended for people whose properties are 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. Bring proof of San Francisco address. Sandbags also are sold at many local hardware and home improvement stores.

The public should call the 3-1-1 customer service center to report clogged storm drains, flooding, downed trees and hanging tree limbs.

Public Works, San Francisco Public Utilities Commission and Recreation and Park Department crews have been out in force this week clearing catch basins.

“We’re on the ground preparing for the rains, and we are ready to respond to any storm-related emergencies,” said Public Works Director Mohammed Nuru. “We also are asking our residents to pitch in where they can to keep our city safe.”

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 educates our communities.

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