LAFD Provides Sandbags for Homeowners and Residents

The Los Angeles Basin is periodically subject to devastating floods resulting in substantial property damage. Such damage is intensified by debris flows resulting from the destruction of the watershed by major brush fires.

Homeowners and residents are encouraged to prepare their properties prior to the coming rainstorms. In an effort to help homeowners and residents protect their properties, The Los Angeles Fire Department, in conjunction with the Bureau of Street Services will be coordinating the distribution of sandbags and sand through a variety of locations.

Cleaning rain gutters and storm drains, removing debris from around structures, using tarps to prevent erosion, and placing sandbags to divert water run-off all help to prevent damage to structures and property.

Sandbags, when filled and placed properly, will redirect storm and debris flows away from property improvements. While the City provides homeowners with sandbags and sand to protect their property, the City does not fill, load, or place sandbags for individual homeowners.

Sandbags, in limited quantities, will be available at all Los Angeles City Fire Stations. In addition, sandbags will also be available at the LAPD Mission Division Station. In addition, Browns Canyon (past the bridge) and Oakridge Mobile Home Park will also receive limited supplies.

Sandbags are available in limited supply at all Los Angeles City Fire Stations. For additional sandbags or sand, residents are encouraged to visit their local home repair/hardware supply business.

Find your local Fire Station

FIRE STATIONS WITH SAND

Fire Stations 3, 18, 19, 21, 23, 24 (public works yard), 27, 28, 38, 41, 43, 44, 47, 64, 71, 78, 82, 84, 86, 87, 88, 94, 96, 97, 98, 99, 101, 106, 108, 109


OTHER LOCATIONS WITH SAND

Veterans Memorial Park

Olive View Hospital

El Cariso Regional Park

Hansen Dam

Knollwood Country Club Parking lot

Browns Cyn (LA County, past the bridge)

Omelveny Park


HOW TO......

FILLING

Fill sandbags one-half full. Sand is suggested if readily available; however, sand is not mandatory, and any local soil may be used.

For a more durable bag with increased effective life, mix 10 parts of sand or soil with one part of cement. The materials can be mixed and placed dry. After all bags are in place, a light sprinkling of water is recommended. This technique is only effective with burlap sandbags and will not work with plastic sandbags.

PLACING

Fold top of sandbag down and rest bag on its folded top.

It is important to place bags with the folded top toward the upstream or uphill direction to prevent bags from opening when water runs by them.

Care should be taken to stack sandbags properly. Place each sandbag side by side with top folded under bag pointed up stream. Complete each layer prior to starting the next layer. Limit placement to two layers unless a building is used as a backing or sandbags are pyramided

LIMITATIONS

Sandbags will not seal out water.

Sand and soil filled burlap sandbags deteriorate when exposed for several months to continued wetting and drying. If bags are placed too early, they may not be effective when needed.

Sandbags are basically for low-flow protection (up to two feet). Protection from higher flows requires a more permanent type of structure.


Submitted by Ron Myers, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department