With storms expected to move through the region, the El Dorado County Office of Emergency Services announced that residents can pick up free sand and sandbags at several county locations. The effort is intended to help homeowners protect their properties from flooding and to encourage basic flood‑safety practices.

Pickup locations

Free sand and sandbags are available at five fire stations throughout the county:

• Fire Station 85 – 1050 Wilson Boulevard, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762
• Fire Station 89 – 3200 Country Club Drive, Cameron Park, CA 95682
• Fire Station 51 – 4860 Marshall Road, Garden Valley, CA 95633
• Fire Station 74 – 5122 Firehouse Road, Lotus, CA 95651
• Fire Station 3 – 2101 Lake Tahoe Boulevard, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150

In Placerville, sand can be collected at 1063 Locust Avenue, while sandbags are available in the Placerville Police Department lobby at 730 Main St. The county notes that sand and sandbags are stocked at separate locations in Placerville.

How to use the resources

All sand and sandbags are provided at no cost. Residents must bring their own shovels and are responsible for filling and transporting the bags. The Office of Emergency Services recommends that families keep a supply of sandbags on hand before flood‑water levels rise.

Safety recommendations

The agency also issued a short list of precautions for wet weather:

• Do not drive through standing floodwater.
• Keep drains and gutters clear of debris.
• Secure outdoor items that could be moved by strong winds or water.
• Check on vulnerable neighbors and family members.

For emergencies or assistance, residents can call the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office non‑emergency line, available 24 hours a day, at (530) 621‑6600. The Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services can also be reached at (530) 621‑5895. Additional information is posted on PerimeterMap.com.

The free‑sandbag program reflects the county’s ongoing commitment to community preparedness and to protecting families and property during severe weather events.

Original reporting: 2news.com — read the source article.