Consumer

Rains Possible, Free Sandbags Available

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Even though the region’s heat wave continues, the National Weather Service is predicting San Diego County residents could see heavy rains, winds and thunderstorms this weekend, mainly on Sunday.

That means it’s a good time to check to see if you need any sandbags to help protect your home and property from the weather.

San Diego County’s Department of Public Works, the San Diego County Fire Authority and CAL FIRE continue to offer free sand and/or bags at numerous spots around the county.

People should call and check on the locations listed before going, because different locations are offering sand and bags, just bags or are asking people to bring shovels with them to put sand into the bags themselves.

Here is the list of locations:

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)
  • Julian: 1587 Highway 78, Julian, CA 92036 P: 760-765-0511
  • Palomar Mountain: 21610 Crestline Road, Palomar Mtn., CA 92060 P: 760-742-3701
  • Ramona: 3410 Dye Road, Ramona, CA 92065 P: 760-789-0107
  • Ramona: 24462 San Vicente Road, Ramona, CA 92065 P: 760-789-9465
  • Rincon: 16971 Highway 76, Pauma Valley, CA 92061 P: 760-742-3243
  • Valley Center: 28205 N. Lake Wohlford Road, Valley Center, CA 92082 P: 760-751-7605
  • Warner Springs: 35227 Highway 79, Warner Springs, CA 92086
    P: 760-782-9113

Bags Only:

  • Alpine: 1364 Tavern Road, Alpine, CA 91901 P: 619-445-2635
  • Deer Springs: 1321 Deer Springs Road, San Marcos, CA 92069 P: 760-741-5512
  • Campo: 31577 Highway 94, Campo, CA 91906 P: 619-478-5516
  • Campo (Lake Morena): 29690 Oak Drive, Campo, CA 91906 P: 619-478-5960
  • Deer Springs: 8709 Circle R Drive, Escondido, CA 92026 P: 760-749-8001
  • Deer Springs: 10308 Meadow Glen Way East, Escondido, CA 92026 P: 760-751-0820
  • Descanso: 9718 River Road, Descanso, CA 91916 P: 619-445-4731
  • Dulzura: 17304 Highway 94, Dulzura, CA 91917 P: 619-468-3391
  • Jamul (Deerhorn): 2383 Honeysprings Road, Jamul, CA 91935 P: 619-468-3030
  • Ocotillo Wells: 5841 Highway 78, Borrego Springs, CA 92004 P: 760-767-7430
  • Portrero: 25130 Highway 94, Potrero, CA 91963 P: 619-478-5544
  • Ramona (Witch Creek): 27330 Highway 78, Ramona, CA 92065P: 760-789-1448
  • Ramona: 829 San Vicente Road, Ramona, CA 92065 P: 760-789-8914
  • Ranchita: 37370 Montezuma Valley Road, Ranchita, CA 92066 P: 760-782-3467 *(Not staffed 24/7)

Rain can cause flooding and erosion, especially in areas that are not covered by landscaping, grass, trees, shrubs and other plants. Rain runoff can sweep soil, mud and debris downstream, and damage homes, clog storm drains, culverts and flood and damage roadways.

Using sandbags properly can help direct waters away from homes and properties. People who have slopes on their land can use mulch, or terrace their slopes and plant groundcovers and shrubs to keep them from eroding.

For more information about how to prepare for potential flooding, go to the County Office of Emergency Services Flooding webpage.

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.

Gig Conaughton is a communications specialist with the County of San Diego Communications Office. Contact