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Weather impacts on small businesses
2026 is forecast to be a wetter-than-normal winter across California, and a very strong El Niño is highly likely. Now is the time to prepare for heavy rain, flooding, strong winds and power outages.
San Francisco Office of Small Business can help you understand the process for physical and financial recovery. We have staff available to help in Spanish and Chinese, along with more translation services as needed.
Contact us at sfosb@sfgov.org or 415-554-6134. Sign up for our newsletter for ongoing updates.
Prepare before the rain
Stay informed
Text your ZIP Code to 888-777 or sign up at AlertSF.org. Check NWS Bay Area forecasts and warnings at weather.gov/mtr, and visit sf.gov/storms for City guidance.
Clear drains safely
Remove leaves and debris from sidewalks and around drains before storms. Adopt a drain at adoptadrain.sfwater.org. Clear it before or after storms, when safe; work from the sidewalk and never lift the grate. Report blockages below the grate to 311.
Protect your inventory, furniture, and equipment
Bring in outdoor furniture or inventory, and elevate items stored on the ground.
Get sandbags if your property is prone to flooding
Public Works offers San Francisco rbusinesses up to 10 free sandbags leading up to and during severe rainstorms. Currently posted pickup hours are Monday–Saturday, 8 a.m.–2 p.m., at the operations yard’s Marin Street/Kansas Street gate. Bring proof of address and check the Public Works webpage for current hours and availability before going.
Prepare for power outages and check on your employees
Keep flashlights, fresh batteries and essential supplies accessible. Charge phones and other critical devices, and consider how you could accept payment without power (e.g. setting up a mobile hot spot). Consider adjusting your business’s staffing for their safety.
Property damage
Contact your property owner
They may be responsible for repairs to the property, and may have insurance to cover them. Get connected with free lease advising to review and understand your lease.
Contact your insurance provider
If you have floor or business interruption coverage, they will give you more information about how to file a claim or for recovery costs. Learn more about business insurance.
Consider getting flood insurance
Contract your insurance broker to get started, or learn about the federal government's National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) option.
Health and safety
Food safety
Review the Department of Public Health's Food Safety Guidelines for retail establishments before, during and after a power outage and flooding.
Handling mold
Review this document with guidance and local resources to protect homes and businesses from indoor dampness and mold, as well as how to safely identify and clean mold.
Waste removal
Learn how to safely dispose of contaminated materials after a flood.
Financial resources
Floodwater Management Grant
From the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC), this grant for up to $100,000 is for flood prevention improvements if you have experienced flooding in the past.
Property tax relief
Property owners might be eligible for property tax relief if they have damage of $10,000 or more and complete the required paperwork.