San Francisco Gives Away Sandbags Ahead of Winter Storms

Hundreds of residents and business owners lined up at Marina Green on November 7 for San Francisco’s first “Sandbag Saturdays” giveaway. City crews loaded the bags into vehicles, with a limit of 10 per address for people who could show they live or operate a business in the city. Organizers brought in more supplies after the initial stock ran out before the event ended. About 1,000 bags were distributed overall.

The city launched the program to help residents prepare for winter flooding, including in neighborhoods with a history of water damage. Public Works Director Carla Short said clear weather offered a chance to prepare before storms arrive. Mayor Daniel Lurie urged residents to take advantage of the giveaway, pointing to recent king tides as a reminder of flood risks.

Some residents said past flooding prompted them to get sandbags, while others worried about water reaching their homes. Supervisor Stephen Sherrill urged people to prepare, saying flooding was a matter of when, not if.

The giveaway came as king tides caused coastal flooding in Mill Valley, where water partly submerged an intersection and some cyclists changed routes. City officials there are also increasing outreach about king tides, coastal flooding and the prospect of a wet winter.

Four more San Francisco neighborhood events are scheduled through December 5. The next is November 14 at the Sunset Circle Parking Lot. Sandbags can also be obtained throughout the year at the Public Works Operations Yard, each day from Monday to Saturday, between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m.