Pick up your sandbags now. Find your flashlights and extra batteries. Get those leaves out of your storm drains.
That was the message city officials had for San Franciscans during a Friday news conference at which Mayor Daniel Lurie declared a local state of emergency in preparation for El Niño, following a state-wide declaration over a month ago.
“We will continue preparing across city departments, and we need every San Franciscans to be ready for severe weather,” Lurie said.
The mayor’s declaration follows a week of light rain but months of anticipation of a potentially dangerous rainy season. High tides already in the forecast, with elevated water levels expected from Tuesday through Saturday. During the news conference at Pier 14, a few small waves washed on the sidewalk.
Lurie and other city officials encouraged residents to avoid travel 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 is preparing for rain, strong 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 importantly, check on your neighbors, who may need help especially during a power outage.”
Interdepartmental planning for El Niño ramped up last month, Carroll said.
The emergency declaration will allow the city to expedite contracts and purchase supplies in anticipation of storms that could arrive as soon as next month.
“You don’t want to be the last person in line paying marked up prices for what’s left on the shelf, and that’s exactly what we’re talking about here,” said Carmen Chu, the city administrator. “We’re not waiting. Residents shouldn’t either.”
District 6 Supervisor Matt Dorsey said San Francisco may not be able to count on substantial federal assistance for storm recovery, unlike during the El Niño storms of the late 1990s, when President Bill Clinton’s administration provided tens of millions (opens in new tab) of dollars in federal aid to the Bay Area.
“I don’t think we have a federal partner like that right now. So that really raises the stakes,” Dorsey said.
He encouraged San Franciscans to help keep storm drains clear through the city’s Adopt a Drain program. His office has 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.