Mayor Edwin M. Lee today issued the following statement in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy’s destruction along the East Coast:

“Our hearts go out to all of those who continue to suffer from the effects of Hurricane Sandy. Those affected by the storm are in our thoughts and prayers as they begin their rebuilding and recovery efforts. San Francisco has already offered assistance to local governments of impacted communities, and we will continue to do so in the days and months ahead. The work of rebuilding communities is just beginning and in San Francisco we understand how important a sustained and vigorous recovery effort should be. Our City stands ready to assist today and into the future as communities begin and continue their rebuilding efforts.”

The City and County of San Francisco has made resources available through the official State of California Emergency Management Assistance Compact. The Department of Emergency Management has offered assistance through the Big Cities Emergency Managers group, which includes major American cities such as Los Angeles, Washington, DC, and Miami. As cities determine what they need in the near future, we expect these networks to mobilize to respond to these requests.

Mayor Lee is encouraging residents to donate money in this time of need to help those affected by the aftermath of this storm. Residents can go to www.sfgivesback.org to get information about how to give and how to prepare.

Mayor Lee also encourages San Franciscans to be prepared here at home with an emergency plan and disaster supply kits, and urges all Bay Area residents to visit www.72hours.org or call 311 to learn more about how to best prepare themselves and their families.