In preparation for very strong rainstorms this week that could cause flooding, the City of Long Beach has released a list of tips and precautions that should be taken in order to protect homes and businesses if your property is at risk of flooding.

Here is the important information about obtaining sandbags if needed, per a press release from the City:

  • The City of Long Beach is providing free sand to residents at four Fire Stations.  Residents must bring and use their own shovel (self-service) to get the sand, which is available in large bins outside the following four fire stations:

    Station No. 7               2295 Elm Ave.
    Station No. 12            6509 Gundry Ave.
    Station No. 13            2475 Adriatic Ave.
    Station No. 14            5200 Eliot St.

  • Sand can also be obtained for free at the Public Works/San Francisco Yard, 1601 San Francisco Ave. (outside, next to the gate, on the Esther Street side).
  • The City of Long Beach provides ten free sandbags to Long Beach residents and businesses with proper identification.  Sand can also be obtained for a slight fee at local hardware stores.  Please go to one of the following neighborhood fire stations to obtain your free sandbags:

    Station No. 1             100 Magnolia Ave.
    Station No. 2             1645 E. 3rd St.
    Station No. 3             1222 Daisy Ave.
    Station No. 4             411 Loma Ave.
    Station No. 5             7575 E. Wardlow Rd.
    Station No. 7             2295 Elm Ave.
    Station No. 8             5365 E. 2nd St.
    Station No. 9             3917 Long Beach Blvd.
    Station No. 10            1417 Peterson Ave.
    Station No. 11            160 E. Market St
    Station No. 12            6509 Gundry Ave.
    Station No. 13            2475 Adriatic Ave.
    Station No. 14            5200 Eliot St.
    Station No. 17            2241 Argonne Ave.
    Station No. 18            3361 Palo Verde Ave.
    Station No. 19            3559 Clark Ave.   
    Station No. 22            6340 Atherton St.

  • Sandbags will last as long as they don’t have a hole. If the bags are reusable, residents should keep them for the next major rainstorm. To discard, distribute sand in a flower bed or over a lawn, and then throw away the empty bags.
  • Do not take sand from the beach. It is illegal to dump sand at the beach, in the gutter or in the storm drain system.  Sand can be returned to the Public Works/San Francisco Yard, 1601 San Francisco Ave.
  • For information on how to fill sandbags, visit www.publicaffairs.water.ca.gov/information/sandbag.cfm  


Also, remember to drive cautiously on the slick streets and stay away from the Los Angeles and San Gabriel Rivers as their levels may be higher than normal.