FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2012 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: NOV. 27, 2012 

Contact: Rachel Gordon, DPW Office of Communications 

(415) 554-6045, rachel.gordon@sfdpw.org

PUBLIC WORKS PREPARES FOR UPCOMING STORM 

AND ENCOURAGES RESIDENTS TO GET READY, TOO 

Free sandbags offered to San Franciscans

San Francisco, CA -- With heavy rains and strong winds on the way, the San Francisco Department of Public Works is clearing catch basins, removing dangerous tree limbs and undertaking other storm preparations.

Residents and business owners also are encouraged to prepare by sweeping up leaves and debris from the sidewalk to help keep the storm drains from clogging to reduce the chance of flooding.

DPW is providing free sandbags to help people in low-lying neighborhoods protect their homes and businesses. Some 6,500 are stockpiled, ready for distribution.

“If your property flooded before, there’s a good chance it could flood again,’’ said DPW Director Mohammed Nuru. “Come and get sandbags to prepare now.”

The sandbags, available only to San Francisco residents, can be picked up at the DPW Operations Yard, 2323 Cesar Chavez St. Enter at Marin and Kansas streets. There is a limit of 10 sandbags per household. Proof of residency is required at time of pickup.

City crews will be on standby during the stormy weather to offer quick response to flooded catch basins, downed trees and other hazards.

Residents should call the City’s 3-1-1 Customer Service Center to report clogged drains, localized flooding or storm-damaged trees.

Residents also should be aware of what they can do to be safe:

• If water has entered your garage or basement, do not walk through it.
• If you are asked to leave your property, disconnect all electrical appliances.
• Have emergency supplies, such as working flashlights, a portable radio and a first aid kit, on hand in a secure, high place.

More tips on storm preparedness and safety can be found at http://www.sfdpw.org/storms.

DPW is responsible for the care and maintenance of San Francisco’s streets and much of its infrastructure. The department cleans and resurfaces streets; plants and maintains City street trees; designs, constructs and maintains city-owned facilities; inspects streets and sidewalks; constructs curb ramps; removes graffiti from public property; and partners with the diverse neighborhoods in San Francisco to provide stellar cleaning and greening services.

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