Are you ready for the next storm? We don’t usually think of San Francisco as flood prone, or as a place impacted by severe storms. However, our winter rains can cause floods, landslides, uprooted trees, and downed or broken utility lines in almost any neighborhood. The City and County of San Francisco has prepared these brief safety tips to help you have a safe winter and protect yourself and your property.

BEFORE THE STORM

• Be aware of streets, parks, drainage channels, basements, garages and other low-elevation spots that could flood.
  
• Store emergency items in a safe place. First-aid kit and essential medicines. Food (packaged, dried, canned, or special-diet). Portable radio, flashlights, extra batteries.
  
• Store drinking water in closed, clean containers in case water service is interrupted. Allow one gallon of water per person per day for at least  three days.
  
• Prepare written instructions on how to turn off electricity, gas and water if authorities advise you to do so. (Remember, you’ll need a professional to turn them back on.)
  
• Keep insurance policies, documents and other valuables in a fire-proof safe-deposit box.
  
• For information on free sandbags to protect your property, call 311 or visit the Department of Public Works at 2323 Cesar Chavez Street at Kansas Street.  see How to Properly Place Sandbags
  
• Consider installing a back-flow prevention device if any of your inside drains or fixtures are lower than the side sewer vent on the sidewalk. Consult with an engineer and the City plumbing inspector, (415) 558-6054, on the proper location for such a device.
  

DURING the Storm
                         

• If water has entered a garage or basement, do not walk through it.
  
• Do not try to drive over a flooded road. If your car stalls, abandon it IMMEDIATELY. Attempting to move a stalled vehicle in flood conditions can be fatal.
  
• Tune to KCBS 740 AM or local TV channels for emergency advisories and instructions.
  
• If you are asked to leave your property, disconnect all electrical appliances. And, if advised by your local utility, shut off electric circuits at the fuse panel and gas service at the meter.
  
• Call 311 to report fallen trees or tree limbs, clogged catch basins or flooded streets.
  
• Avoid downed power lines and broken gas lines. Report them immediately to PG&E, (800) 743-5002.

AFTER the Storm

• DO NOT TURN GAS BACK ON YOURSELF. Call PG&E at (800) 743-5002.
  
• Avoid direct contact with floodwater-it can contain harmful contaminants, including bacteria and parasites.
  
• Do not use fresh foods or canned goods that have come in contact with floodwaters.
  
• Follow local instructions regarding the safety of drinking water. If in doubt, boil or purify water (16 drops of liquid bleach per gallon) before drinking.
  
• Do not handle live electrical equipment in wet areas. Have them checked before use.
  
• Make sure tetanus immunizations are up to date for any person who is exposed to flood waters. If you become ill with fever, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea contact your health care provider.
  
• Flooded buildings should be pumped out, disinfected and dried as quickly as possible to prevent mold.
  
• Wear protective clothing, including heavy gloves, to remove wet materials that may become contaminated. Put them in sealed impermeable bags or closed containers.
  
• Wash all floors,walls and household articles affected by floodwaters with a solution of two capfuls of household bleach per gallon of water.
  
• The most important thing you can do to prevent mold growth is to remove the
  source of water and dry out your home within 48 hours
  

An abbreviated version of the illustrated brochure is also available in Spanish and Chinese, found in the pdf file below.