Prepare for storms and flooding

Minimize storm damage by preparing your property before a storm starts. During a storm, stay home if you can.

• If you see downed power lines, stay away
  • Don’t exit your car or home
  • Call PG&E at 1 (800) 743-5002
• Report downed trees, flooding, or traffic signals out:
  • (415) 485-3355 during business hours
  • After hours, call (415) 485-3000
• Free sandbags available during storm season

Check FEMA flood maps to understand your flood risk, but know that any property can experience flooding in severe weather. Review your insurance policy for flood damage coverage.

Put together an emergency kit with flashlights, batteries, cash, and important documents, plus food, water, and medications for at least 72 hours.

Know your evacuation route and keep emergency contact information on hand.

1. Sign up for emergency alerts

Stay informed during severe weather by signing up for emergency text, email, or phone notifications.

2. Clear debris on your property and street

Remove debris from:

• Gutters and rain downspouts
• Driveways
• Basement drains
• Ditches and drainage channels

Remove trash and yard waste around fences and gardens.

Keep storm drains on your street clear of debris.

3. Have sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting, and lumber on hand

Use these to divert water and debris.

If your basement tends to flood, consider installing a sump pump with generator backup to divert water away from doors, garages, and low-lying areas.

If you already have submersible pumps and sump pumps, check to make sure they are working properly.

4. Park on higher ground

Avoid parking under large trees during high winds.

5. Take photos

You may need photos of each room in your home for insurance purposes.

6. Secure outdoor furniture

Bring in or secure outdoor furniture or objects that could be picked up by strong wind.

During a storm, stay home if you can. If you need to travel, drive slowly with extra caution. Don’t drive through flooded streets or around “Road Closed” signs. Make sure your headlights are on.

Power outages are common during storms. Be prepared.

Stay informed during storms

• National Weather Service, San Francisco Bay Office
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration flood hazard information

Evacuation

If told to evacuate, evacuate immediately. Do not return home until authorities say it is safe. When you return:

• Look for structural damage and electrical hazards
• Do not enter an unsafe building
• Avoid areas of standing water if electrical power is still on
• Wear protective gear (boots, gloves, masks) when cleaning up