Weather forecasts are predicting more rain this weekend and next week, which means this may be a good time to pick up some free sandbags from the County and CAL FIRE to protect your home and property if you need them.
It’s also a good time, County Public Works officials said, for people to look around their homes and properties to make sure that drainage areas are clear and not blocked by debris, which can cause flooding.
The County and CAL FIRE will be giving free sand and bags to residents in unincorporated communities and areas at numerous locations around the county.
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
Bonita/Sunnyside: 4900 Bonita Road, Bonita, CA 91902 P: 619-479-2346
Boulevard: 40080 Ribbonwood Road, Boulevard, CA 91905 P: 619-390-2020
De Luz: 39524 Daily Road, Fallbrook, CA 92028 P: 760-728-3140 *(Not staffed 24/7)
De Luz: 39431 De Luz Road, Fallbrook, CA 92028 P: 760-728-2422
Fallbrook: 4375 Pala Mesa Drive, Fallbrook, CA 92028 P: 760-723-2024
Lakeside River Park Conservancy:12108 Industry Road, Lakeside CA 92040 P: 619-443-4770 *(Closed over the weekend)
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.