San Francisco DEM Emphasizes 3 Key Storm Preparedness Actions for Residents Amidst Winter Outlook

San Francisco, CA – The San Francisco Department of Emergency Management (SFDEM) has issued a public advisory urging residents to undertake crucial preparedness measures ahead of the upcoming winter storm season. The department highlighted three key actions: clearing storm drains, checking on vulnerable community members, and ensuring emergency supplies are readily available. This guidance comes as meteorologists anticipate a weak La Niña pattern for the 2025-2026 winter, which typically brings warmer and drier conditions to Southern California but does not preclude significant rainfall events.SFDEM's message, disseminated in multiple languages including English, Chinese, Spanish, and Tagalog, underscores the city's commitment to inclusive emergency communication. "Help your community prepare for the upcoming rain by clearing out storm drains and checking in with friends and family who may need assistance. Check your supplies and make sure you have what you need on hand," the agency stated via social media. This multi-lingual approach is part of SFDEM's broader strategy, which includes a redesigned website (SF.gov/DEM) and an enhanced AlertSF.org platform offering customizable, language-specific notifications.Urban flooding remains a significant concern for San Francisco, as drainage systems can be overwhelmed by intense rainfall. The city's official information portal, sf.gov/urban-flooding, explicitly notes that such conditions create multiple hazards. Residents are encouraged to report non-life-threatening storm-related issues, including clogged catch basins and street flooding, by contacting 311. For life-threatening emergencies, 911 should be called immediately.While the broader winter outlook suggests a generally warmer and drier season for California, with San Francisco experiencing approximately 30 more warmer-than-normal winter days since 1970, localized heavy precipitation events are still possible. These events can rapidly lead to urban flooding, making proactive community involvement in clearing storm drains and preparing emergency kits vital. SFDEM continues to advocate for a resilient city through public education and accessible resources.