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Santa Clara County residents can get free filled sandbags from sandbag sites operated by the Santa Clara Valley Water District ahead of more heavy rainfall expected this week.
Heavy winter rainfall can cause flooding in minutes but homeowners can use sandbags to prevent or reduce damage from floodwater or debris. The sandbags are available from November through April at five Valley Water sites.
Valley Water sandbag guidelines say it’s most effective to put a tarp between a structure and sandbags to keep floodwater from seeping between the housing siding and foundation sills.
Baffle boards should be used to seal foundation vents, windows, doorways and garage doorways. Baffle boards should overlap the window, door or vent they are covering by a few inches.
At the five Valley Water sandbag sites scattered throughout the county, residents can pick up free filled sandbags or fill their own with bags and sand the district has provided.
There are also 20 city and county public works yards with bags and sand that residents can fill themselves. A shovel and someone to help lift the sandbags is recommended since they are heavy.
Some sites may require proof of residency. More information and site locations can be found at valleywater.org.
Good information. In future articles, I suggest offering some guidance or links to help residents determine whether their homes are at risk of flooding from severe weather events and would benefit from laying in sandbags at their property, how to use and dispose of sandbags appropriately, and other preventive measures. Thanks!