Visitor Safety Information for San Francisco

You can get official emergency alerts and safety updates while you are in San Francisco:

Call 911 for emergencies

• Call 911 for life-threatening emergencies, including medical emergencies, fires, or crimes in progress.
• Know your location to provide to the dispatcher.
• If you are calling 911 from an international phone number, connections may take slightly longer, but your call will go through.
• Text-to-911 is not available for those roaming using international SIM cards. Make a voice call to 911 instead.
• To call San Francisco 911 when out of the area call 415-553-8090
• To reach San Francisco Police for non-emergencies from anywhere call 415-553-0123

Call 311 for non-emergencies

• Call 311 or use the 311 app for non-emergency help from the City.
• This includes things like help for people experiencing homelessness, requests for cleaning streets or sidewalks, and general City questions.

Getting help in your language

• Emergency information and City services are available in over 170 languages.
• If you call 311 or 911, interpretation services are available.
• Tell the dispatcher your language (and dialect if applicable) when you connect. An interpreter will join the call.

Earthquakes can happen without warning in San Francisco.

If you feel shaking:

• Drop, cover, and hold on: Drop to the ground, Cover your head/neck and crawl under a sturdy desk or table, and Hold On until the shaking stops.
• Stay indoors until shaking stops
• Stay away from windows and heavy objects

After shaking stops, be prepared for aftershocks.

Learn more about earthquake safety and preparedness at SF.gov/earthquake

San Francisco weather can vary widely by neighborhood, even on the same day.

• The city is known for “microclimates,” meaning [BH1] some areas may be sunny while others are foggy or cold.
• Always bring layers, including a warm jacket
• Places near the ocean are usually colder, windier, and foggier than other parts of the city.

The ocean water is very cold all year. Waves can be strong and dangerous. Swimming at Ocean Beach is not safe and is strongly discouraged. Always follow posted signs and stay careful near the water.

Visitors should be aware of local laws:

• The legal drinking age in the United States is 21+. Alcohol consumption is limited to permitted venues and designated outdoor areas
• Cannabis use is legal for adults 21+, but it cannot be used in public places, parks, on federal property (including the Presidio and Alcatraz Island), or while driving
• Cannabis cannot be transported across state lines or taken on flights.

Always follow posted signage and local regulations.

• San Francisco has many ways to get around, including buses, subways, trains, and ferries. You can pay your fare using a credit or debit card, or a phone wallet like Apple Pay or Google Pay. Just tap your card or phone at the reader when you get on. You do not need a paper ticket.
• If you plan to drive in San Francisco, always read parking signs carefully before leaving your car. Many areas require payment or have time limits, and rules can change from block to block, including in busy visitor areas.
• Keep personal belongings secure, especially in crowded areas and transit. Do not leave valuable items in a parked vehicle
• Be aware of your surroundings when traveling in the city
• Plan routes in advance when possible

• Save your hotel address in your phone and memorize the nearest intersection
• Share your location with travel companions when possible. Share your plans with friends or family back home.
• If you need help, don’t hesitate to call 311 or ask a uniformed City employee or ambassador