San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie declared a local emergency Friday to set aside city contracting requirements in order to speed up preparations for severe El Niño storms and coastal flooding.
The National Weather Service is predicting historic high tides and elevated storm risks that would be the strongest since El Niño recordkeeping began in 1950.
“With demand rising for flood-protection materials and services across California, the declaration waives certain city contracting requirements to allow departments to secure goods and services needed for El Niño preparations more quickly,” the mayor’s office said.
The action streamlines procurement and contracting for departments including Public Works, the Public Utilities Commission, Port of San Francisco, Municipal Transportation Agency, Recreation and Park Department, San Francisco International Airport and the Office of Contract Administration.
“Departments can use the faster process to purchase critical goods ahead of the storm season, including flood barriers, pumps, and generators that will protect infrastructure and keep essential services running,” the mayor’s office said.
The declaration also allows the mayor to reallocate funds within and between departments as needed to meet the emergency.
“Having the ability to purchase what we need, when we need it, is essential to delivering effective response amid rapidly changing emergency conditions,” City Administrator Carmen Chu said in a press release.
Residents urged to prepare
The city is preparing for heavy rain and wind that can flood streets, bring down trees, and disrupt power, in addition to elevated coastal water levels that can cause flooding during high tides even without rain.
The city has also established an incident coordination system under the Department of Emergency Management that anticipates actions for preparedness, monitoring, response, and recovery, the mayor’s office said.
“We are bringing departments together to work through protocols, identify resource needs, and prepare to scale up the city’s response,” said Mary Ellen Carroll, executive director of the Department of Emergency Management. “This declaration accelerates that work and prevents procedural roadblocks.”
The city urges residents and businesses to elevate belongings and inventory in garages and basements, secure loose outdoor objects from high winds, and check pipelines that connect their buildings to the city sewer against backflow.
Public Works offers San Francisco residents and businesses up to 10 free sandbags per address year-round, with Sandbag Saturday events planned in November in the Marina, Mission, Lakeshore, and other areas.
Public Works has more than 20,000 sandbags ready for distribution, according to the mayor’s office.
The city also asks the public to check in with neighbors who may need help, including older adults, people with disabilities, and anyone who relies on powered medical or mobility equipment.