Pick up your sandbags now. Find your flashlights and extra batteries. Get those leaves out of your storm drains. <\/p>\n
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 Ni\u00f1o, following a state-wide declaration over a month ago<\/a>. <\/p>\n \u201cWe will continue preparing across city departments, and we need every San Franciscans to be ready for severe weather,\u201d Lurie said. <\/p>\n The mayor\u2019s 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. <\/p>\n Lurie and other city officials encouraged residents to avoid travel during storms, elevate belongings stored in basements, and prepare for power outages. <\/p>\n 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. <\/p>\n \u201cWe need you now to restock your emergency kit,\u201d Carroll said. \u201cVery importantly, check on your neighbors, who may need help especially during a power outage.\u201d <\/p>\n Interdepartmental planning for El Ni\u00f1o ramped up last month, Carroll said. <\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u201cYou don\u2019t want to be the last person in line paying marked up prices for what\u2019s left on the shelf, and that\u2019s exactly what we\u2019re talking about here,\u201d said Carmen Chu, the city administrator. \u201cWe\u2019re not waiting. Residents shouldn\u2019t either.\u201d <\/p>\n