SoCal Storm: Sandbag Distribution Sites

Los Angeles - Preparing for the worst, the Los Angeles Fire Department and Bureau of Street Services are coordinating the distribution of sandbags and sand at key locations as the first major storm of the season bears down on the Southland.

The Los Angeles Basin is periodically subject to floods that can result in property damage, said fire spokesman Bryan Humphrey.

Such damage is greatly intensified by soil and debris flows in areas near the recent Station wildfire.

Homeowners and residents across Los Angeles -- especially those in San Fernando Valley foothill communities -- are encouraged to prepare their properties in advance of coming rainstorms.

Properly filled and placed sandbags are best used to divert -- rather than dam -- water run-off, redirecting storm and debris flow away from property improvements, Humphrey noted.

While the city can provide homeowners with empty sandbags and sand to protect their property, the city does not fill, load, or place sandbags for individual homeowners.

Those needing additional sand, sandbags and supplies may wish to contact a home improvement store or building supply center in their community, many of which will deliver flood preparedness and debris control aids.

Humphrey said sandbagging and flood control is a labor-intensive process that can lead to injury and that residents should consider hiring a licensed contractor for any large or special needs.

Here's a list of free sandbag locations:

Sunland:
Fire Station 24, 9411 Wentworth St., and Fire Station 77, 9224 Sunland Blvd.

Sylmar:
Olive View Hospital, 14445 Olive View Drive, (at the old fire station)
Oak Ridge Mobile Home Park, 15455 Glenoaks Blvd
Fire Station 91, 14430 Polk St.;

Arleta:
Fire Station 7, 14123 Nordhoff St.

Mission Hills:
Fire Station 75, 15345 San Fernando Mission Blvd.

Pacoima:
Fire Station 98, 13035 Van Nuys Blvd.;

Tujunga:
Council District 2 Office, 7747 Foothill Blvd.;

Riverwood:
Conover Street near Cononver Fire Road.

Also, both sand and ready-to-fill sandbags are available at many Bureau of Street Services locations.