NOVATO, CA — Marin County emergency management outlined countywide El Niño preparations to the Novato City Council on Oct. 13, while city officials agreed to return with a local briefing on preparations and resident resources in November or December.
Marin County emergency management director Stephen Torrance said the county had allocated about $3 million for preparedness and mitigation across Marin County.
He described efforts to improve Alert Marin, including a call-back feature for people without smartphones, translated alerts and the ability to opt into king-tide notices regardless of where a resident lived.
Councilmember Tim O'Connor asked the city manager whether Novato could provide a local presentation.
"I think it would be helpful for residents to know exactly what we are doing in terms of preparation, what they need to know locally, and to provide them with any other relevant local information, so they can be fully informed," he said.
City Manager Amy Cunningham said the city could explain how its work fit into the county's broader effort.
The presentation also addressed support for older residents.
Councilmember Pat Eklund asked how emergency management reached seniors who might not attend preparedness classes.
Torrance said the county offered courses tailored to seniors and caregivers and used census data and coordination with Public Health to inform planning.
Torrance said projected king tides were expected to coincide with Thanksgiving and Christmas, alongside winter storms.
He also cited updated emergency plans, public information about sandbag locations, and coordination with cities and utility providers as parts of the county's preparation.
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