Department of Emergency Management
1011 Turk Street, San Francisco, CA 94102 Phone: (415) 558-3800 Fax: (415) 558-3843
December 26, 2018
Contact: San Francisco Department of Emergency Management
415-558-2712, dempress@sfgov.org
NEW YEAR’S EVE EMERGENCY ALERTS IN SAN FRANCISCO
San Francisco, CA – The San Francisco Department of Emergency Management (SFDEM) encourages people celebrating New Year’s Eve in San Francisco to text the phrase NYESF to 888- 777 to receive emergency text message alerts related to New Year’s Eve events in San Francisco. New Year’s Eve celebrants may also visit www.sfdem.org/NYESF.
Media is encouraged to include information on how to register for emergency text alerts on New Year’s Eve guides and coverage. Graphics for digital media are included in this public service announcement.
“San Francisco invites you to ring in the New Year safely in our City,” said Mary Ellen Carroll, Executive Director of the San Francisco Department of Emergency Management. “Signing up for emergency text alerts from AlertSF is one of the simplest things to stay informed and safe during an emergency on New Year’s Eve.”
AlertSF is San Francisco’s emergency text message system. AlertSF will send alerts and instructions following a natural disaster, major police, fire, or health emergencies, or significant transportation disruptions. There are more than 110,000 subscribers or 30% of San Francisco households on the AlertSF system.
For special events, SFDEM establishes a special registration code. In the past year Bay to Breakers, Pride and Fleet Week have received a special AlertSF registration code.
“We encourage locals and visitors to support our City’s many entertainment establishments and celebrations over the New Year’s holiday,” said Maggie Weiland, Executive Director of the San Francisco Entertainment Commission. “Use AlertSF to stay connected while you’re out enjoying all that San Francisco has to offer.”
In addition to enjoying the fireworks on the waterfront, San Franciscans and visitors will be ringing in the New Year all over the city at nightlife establishments. With over one hundred indoor and outdoor events, spanning all cultural traditions, the New Year’s holiday remains one of the most popular times of the year to enjoy all of the restaurants, bars, and venues across the City. According to a 2016 report from the SF Office of the Controller, the nightlife industry is a major economic driver within the city; employing over 60,000 people and earning $6 billion in annual revenues. Page | 2
San Francisco public safety agencies are working with our state and federal partners to help keep New Year’s Eve celebrations safe for everyone. The City will have additional resources available on New Year’s Eve. This means there will be more police officers, fire fighters, ambulances, sheriff deputies, and dispatchers available to respond. San Francisco’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) will be active to support first responders, coordinate city resources, and provide public information.
San Francisco residents, visitors, and businesses can help by remaining vigilant while enjoying New Year’s Eve festivities. These simple tips will help you stay safe:
- If you see something, say something. Call 9-1-1 or talk to a police officer if you see something suspicious.
- Have a plan. It is easy to lose track of people during large events. It is even more difficult when there is an emergency. Designate a meet up spot if you get separated from your group.
- Be aware of your surroundings and take note of emergency exits.
- Have a designated driver or alternative transportation plan if you plan on drinking alcohol.
- All fireworks, including “Safe and Sane”, are dangerous and illegal in San Francisco. We encourage everyone to choose safety and observe a public firework show.
- If you have a noise complaint, call the police non-emergency line at (415) 553-0123.
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