For Immediate Release

December 4, 2009

Contact: Tyrone Jue, SFPUC, 415-554-3247, Christine Falvey, DPW, 415-554-6931

With Heavy Storms Ahead, SFPUC and DPW Urge Flood Preparedness for S.F. Residents & Businesses in Low-Lying and Flood-Prone Areas

SAN FRANCISCO – With rain and potentially heavy storms forecast beginning Sunday through next week, the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) and Department of Public Works (DPW) today issued a Flood Risk Alert encouraging San Francisco residents and businesses in low-lying flood-prone areas, and those who live or work in below-grade properties, to prepare for potential flooding. City crews are deployed throughout the city inspecting and cleaning catch basins as a precautionary measure to prepare for and prevent flooding. Additional crews will be on standby through the week to reduce potential emergency response times.

The City urges residents and businesses in flood-prone areas to proactively position sandbags and report any blocked or clogged storm drains or catch basins immediately. DPW is providing San Franciscans with proof of residency up to 10 free filled or unfilled sandbags at the DPW Operations Yard, 2323 Cesar Chavez Blvd. (enter at Kansas and Marin Streets), Monday-Sunday, 7:00 am to 4:00 pm.

In addition, after completing a number of major capital projects in flood-prone areas, the SFPUC in 2010 is scheduled to begin construction on flood improvement projects in the Mission and Sunnydale areas. The SFPUC is also conducting a series of public workshops to define sewer projects for their long-term capital program to address aging infrastructure, seismic reliability, and neighborhood flooding. These monthly workshops are scheduled to continue through Spring 2010. More information about the workshops and the sewer system can be found at www.sfsewers.org.

Citizens are encouraged to call the City's Customer Service Center 3-1-1 for more information about the free sandbag program or to report clogged storm drains/catch basins, flooding emergencies, and sewer backups. When safe, residents are also encouraged to push aside leaves or trash that may be obstructing the flow of stormwater into storm drains. Additional flooding tips and information can be found on www.sfgov.org/dpw.

NOTE TO PHOTO EDITORS/PRODUCERS: If you are interested in photos or footage of trucks and crews clearing storm drains and other flood preparedness activities, please contact SFPUC Communications at (415) 554-3289.

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