First Storm of Season on the Way, County’s Got Free Sandbags

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The National Weather Service is predicting that San Diego County’s first significant storm of the season will arrive Wednesday night and Thursday, with more rain possible on the weekend.

So this may be a good time to stock up on some free sandbags from the County and CAL FIRE if you need them to protect your home and property.

As they have in past years, the County’s Department of Public Works, San Diego County Fire Authority and CAL FIRE will be giving free sand and bags to residents in unincorporated communities at numerous locations around the county.

County Public Works officials said now is a good time for people to look around their homes and land to make sure that drainage areas are clear and free of debris.

Rain can cause flooding and erosion, especially in areas that are not covered by landscaping, grass, trees, shrubs and other plants. That includes areas covered by concrete or laid bare by drought or fire. Rain runoff can carry topsoil, mud and debris off land downstream where it can damage homes, clog storm drains and culverts, and flood and damage roadways.

The County and CAL FIRE will be providing free sand and bags, or free bags at the locations listed below. People should call ahead to double-check availability and because some stations may limit the number of bags people can get. People should also bring a shovel they can use to fill bags with sand at the locations that have both sand and bags.

Sand and Bags

Bags Only

ReadySanDiego.org’s Flooding webpage has more information about how to protect yourself and your property.

You may also want to check out this how-to video, “You’ve Got Your Sandbags, Now What?” that explains how to properly fill and use sandbags to protect your property.

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