Collect your sandbags now. Find your flashlights and extra batteries. Remove these leaves from your storm drains.
That’s the message city officials sent to San Franciscans during a news conference Friday in which Mayor Daniel Lurie declared a local state of emergency in anticipation of El Niño, following a statewide declaration more than a month ago.
“We will continue to prepare in all city departments and we need all San Franciscans to be prepared for severe weather,” Lurie said.
The mayor’s statement follows a week of light rain but months of anticipation of a potentially dangerous rainy season. High tides are already forecast, with high water levels expected from Tuesday to Saturday. During the press conference at Pier 14, a few small waves broke on the sidewalk.
Lurie and other city officials encouraged residents to avoid traveling during storms, elevate belongings stored in basements and prepare for power outages.
Mary Ellen Carroll, executive director of the San Francisco Department of Emergency Management, said her department was preparing for rain, high winds and high water levels. Storms can cause power outages, topple trees and flood streets.
“We need you now to restock your emergency kit,” Carroll said. “Very important, check on your neighbors, who may need help, especially in the event of a power outage. »
Interdepartmental planning for El Niño intensified last month, Carroll said.
The emergency declaration will allow the city to expedite contracts and purchase supplies in preparation for storms that could arrive as early as next month.
“You don’t want to be the last person paying premium prices for what’s left on the shelves, and that’s exactly what we’re talking about here,” said Carmen Chu, the city administrator. “We’re not waiting. Residents shouldn’t wait either.”
District 6 Supervisor Matt Dorsey said San Francisco may not be able to count on substantial federal aid for storm recovery, unlike the El Niño storms of the late 1990s, when President Bill Clinton’s administration provided tens of millions of dollars. (opens in a new tab) dollars in federal aid to the Bay Area.
“I don’t think we have a federal partner like that right now. So it really raises the stakes,” Dorsey said.
He encouraged San Franciscans to help keep storm drains clean through the city’s Adopt a Drain program. His office adopted a drain nicknamed “Sewervisor Dorsey,” he said.
City officials also encouraged San Franciscans to sign up for AlertSF by texting their zip code to 888-777.
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