San Francisco, CA—Mayor London N. Breed today announced the launch of a storm damage survey for residents and businesses who experienced damages to their property as a result of the storms that began on New Year’s Eve. The survey will help inform the San Francisco Department of Emergency Management (DEM) about the extent and range of damages caused by the storms to private property. Once the survey is completed, findings will be considered for eligibility from state and federal agencies overseeing storm relief assistance programs.
These programs, such as disaster assistance grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and low-interest disaster loans from the Small Business Administration (SBA), can offer much-needed help to San Franciscans recovering from storm damages.
"We know there are a lot of people that need financial help as a result of recent severe storms,” said Mayor Breed. “Together with state and federal partners, we are working to secure every available relief program for eligible business owners and residents. This is why we are urging anyone who experienced damages to their businesses and homes to complete the survey."
“These winter storms were unlike any we have seen and many residents and business owners experienced damage from storms,” said Mary Ellen Carroll, Executive Director, San Francisco Department of Emergency Management. “If your home, business, or any other property was damaged, we urge you to complete this survey to support San Francisco’s post-storm recovery.”
Last week, preliminary estimates for storm-related costs to City infrastructure within San Francisco totaled nearly $17 million, in addition to at least $25 million in damages to City infrastructure located in Alameda, Tuolumne, and San Mateo Counties. Prior to the community impact survey, initial estimates for private property damages were approximately $10 million, but local, state, and federal representatives must first verify estimates to determine San Francisco’s eligibility for available state and federal funding assistance.
“In the wake of the heaviest series of storms we’ve had in over 200 years, we’re calling on all San Franciscans who love their city to take this impact survey and help be our eyes and ears on the ground,” said Board President Aaron Peskin. “By understanding the damages we’ve sustained, we can get San Francisco moving more quickly toward recovery and resilience.”
This community impact survey will capture information for all storm-related property damages, including impacts from flooding, land and mudslides, sinkholes, and fallen trees or power poles. The information gathered will provide necessary details to inform the City’s understanding of the overall impacts of the storms on private property and will support the request for state and federal assistance programs to be granted to San Francisco.
While residents and business owners are strongly encouraged to complete the survey, survey submission does not guarantee that an individual or business will be eligible or receive assistance from state or federal programs.
San Francisco’s Community Impact Survey is available now through February 9, 2023, and soon will be made available in Spanish, Chinese, and Filipino. The Survey is also available to those filing new reports with 311 via the 311-mobile application and may be found at Storm Recovery | SF72. Questions about this survey may be emailed to StormRecovery@sfgov.org.
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