SAN DIEGO - San Diego County officials urged residents in the unincorporated areas to prepare for the upcoming winter rainy season by stocking up on free sandbags to prevent soil erosion and mudslides on their properties.

According to the county, heavy rains can cause severe erosion, especially where foliage has not fully recovered from fires.

Sandbags can help prevent storm water runoff and mud from blocking roadways and clogging flood control systems and storm drains.

The county's Department of Public Works is offering free sand and sandbags at locations in the unincorporated areas.

Residents should bring a shovel to fill the bags.

Free sandbags are available at:
  • 28205 N. Lake Wohlford Road, Valley Center
  • 16971 Highway 76, Valley Center
  • 1587 Highway 78, Julian
  • 1364 Tavern Road, Alpine
  • Cal Fire Mount Woodson Station, 16310 Highway 67, Ramona
  • North County Fire Protection Station Four, 4375 Pala Mesa Drive, Fallbrook
  • Dulzura Fire Station, 17304 Highway 94
  • Kit Carson Park, near the Amphitheater
  • 1050 Vernon Way, El Cajon, just east of Marshall Avenue, in the northeast corner of the employee parking lot.
Up to 6 free filled sand bags are available at the following locations:
  • Escondido Sand & Gravel/Escondido Asphalt, 500 Tulip Street
  • Inland Valley Materials, 14080 San Pasqual Valley Road