Preparing for Rosa: Sandbag Pickup Locations
This article was Updated Oct. 1 to include Phoenix city parks that are providing sand.
Various locations around the Valley offer sand to use for making sandbags. For those worried about flooding from the remnants of Hurricane Rosa—rains are expected to arrive tonight (Sunday) with flash flooding possible Monday and Tuesday—today would be the time to prepare.
The Flood Control District of Maricopa County’s web site shows there are no sandbag locations in North Phoenix proper. But Daisy Mountain Fire & Medical has three locations with sand and sandbags, DMFM spokesperson Paul Schickel said today. These are self-serve, so you’re advised to bring your own shovel and someone capable of lifting the bags, which weigh about 20 pounds when filled.
Daisy Mountain Fire Station 141
43814 N New River Rd, New River
Sand is in the southwest corner of the property, with bags nearby.
Daisy Mountain Fire Station 146
3116 W New River Rd, New River
Sand is at the north end of the property, with bags in a shed near the sand.
Daisy Mountain Fire Station 143
35050 S. Old Black Canyon Hwy, Black Canyon City
Sand is on the north side of station; bags are under a shed roof nearby.
If you have questions, you can knock on the fire station door, Schickel said. Crews may be out on a call at any given time, however.
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On Monday, Oct. 1, Phoenix announced it had sand at some parks, but you’d have to bring your own sand. From the City:
DIY Sandbags
If you’d prefer not to drive to any of these stations, there are other ways to protect your home from flooding. If you have a source of sand or dirt, empty sandbags are sometimes sold at hardware stores. As a substitute, some suggest trash bags sealed with duct tape or zip ties.
“Garbage bags are not sturdy enough,” Schickel said. “They tear and break. But if that’s all you’ve got, it’s sure better than nothing.”
Another trick out there on the interwebs: Buy potting soil (and leave it in the bags). However, the bags would presumably need to be sealed, and if the soil is dry, could be prone to floating.
The Flood Control District has a video showing how to use sandbags, plus advice on preparing for a possible flood and recovering from one.
