The Sacramento County Department of Water Resources (DWR) has opened three sandbag locations for residents in the unincorporated areas. County DWR continues its annual winter operation to help residents Be Aware and Be Prepared in the event of flooding in their neighborhoods.
Due to the growing concern of what El Nino may bring to the area, residents who believe their property will be in danger of potential flooding are encouraged to get sandbags now before rain falls.
As in previous years, three main locations are now open:
Branch Center (3847 Branch Center Rd.)
Orangevale Community Center (6826 Hazel Ave.)
Sacramento Metropolitan Fire Station #116 (7995 Elwyn Ave.)
Last year, 308 tons of sand were scooped up and placed into 23,000 bags by Sacramento County residents between the various sandbag locations. During a storm event, if the conditions worsen and flooding become a larger concern, the department can deliver sand to six more sandbag locations that are on standby around the unincorporated parts of the County.
Do you have old sandbags from last winter? Get rid of them and get new bags. The older ones have deteriorated due to sitting out in the summer sun and won’t provide the best protection. Get new bags to make sure you are prepared this winter.
Before the rain falls, residents are also encouraged to clear storm drains of trash and debris to reduce the chance of street flooding. During the storm, residents living near creeks and streams can use the County ALERT system to monitor rising streams in the unincorporated areas.
County DWR supplies the sand and bags, paid for by stormwater utility fees, but residents will need to bring a shovel. There is a 20-bag limit per visit. Residents not living in the unincorporated areas of the County will need to check with their cities for sandbag information. The public can visit www.stormready.org for more information on locations and other flood related topics.