Published By: Communications and Public Outreach
The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC), with heavy rains forecasted from Thursday through the weekend, is issuing 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 cleaning catch basins throughout the city as a precautionary measure to prepare for and prevent flooding during heavy rain periods.
“The SFPUC has crews aggressively cleaning catch basins and sewers throughout the city and especially in low-lying, flood-prone areas,” said SFPUC General Manager Susan Leal. “However, we still want to remind people living in flood-prone areas about the potential for flooding and the need to continue taking the necessary precautions.”
The SFPUC urges residents and businesses in flood-prone areas to proactively position sandbags and report any blocked or clogged storm drains or catch basins immediately. SFPUC crews will continue to inspect and clear catch basins with particular focus on areas known to be at risk for flooding. Additional crews will be on standby to reduce potential emergency response times.
Over the past three years, as part of a $150 million Wastewater Capital Improvement Program, the SFPUC has completed several major projects designed to reduce flood risk in low-lying Mission, Excelsior, Miraloma, Glen Park and Sunset areas to improve the flow of water during heavy rains. More improvement projects are scheduled to begin in the coming months, with a long-term capital plan for our wastewater system, the S.F. Sewer System Master Plan, due for public release in early 2008.
San Francisco residents may pick up to 10 free sandbags from the Department of Public Works yard at 2323 Cesar Chavez Street, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. Residents can call 311 for more information about the free sandbag program, or to inform the SFPUC of clogged storm drains/catch basins, flooding emergencies, and sewer backups.
