Sandbags

Sand and sandbags are available to residents of Central Fire District in limited quantities (during storm season) to combat potential flooding conditions. We currently have sand for the public and are awaiting a delivery of bags soon at our headquarters at 930 17th Avenue. 

Residents are responsible for filling their own bags and are limited to 5 bags per residence. 

Other local sources for sand and sand bags include:

Valley Churches United
9400 Highway 9 
Ben Lomond, CA
(831) 336-8258
Valley Churches United Website

Branciforte Fire Dept.
2711 Branciforte Drive
Santa Cruz, CA
(831) 423-8856

Cal Fire Corralitos
120 Eureka Canyon Road
Corralitos, CA  95076
(831) 724-2446

Cal Fire Big Creek Station
240 Swanton Road
Davenport, CA 95017
(831) 426-1664

Soquel Village (Parking Lot)
2850 Daubenbiss Avenue, Soquel  
(831) 477-3999

Watsonville Public Works Yard
198 Grimmer Road, Watsonville
(831) 477-3399

VENDORS SELLING BAGS/SAND:

Big Creek Lumber - Santa Cruz 
2801 Soquel Avenue
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
(831) 477-1231
Big Creek Lumber Website

Aptos Landscape Supply
5025 Freedom Boulevard
Aptos, CA 95003
(831) 688-6211
Aptos Landscape Supply Website

Central Home Supply 
808 River Street
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 423-0763
Central Home Supply Website

Granite Rock Construction 
303 Coral Street
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 471-3400

Scotts Valley Rock & Landscape 
4425 Scotts Valley Drive 
Scotts Valley, CA
(831) 438-3644

Home Depot 
2600 41st Avenue 
Soquel, CA  95073
(831) 462-5650

Sandbags 2021

Filling Sandbags

Filling sandbags is usually a two-person operation.  One person places the empty bag between or slightly in front of widespread feet, with arms extended. The throat of the bag is folded to form a collar and held, with hands in position. The other person carefully empties a shovel full of sand into the open end. The person holding the sack should be standing with knees slightly flexed, and head and face as far away from the shovel action as practical.  Use of safety goggles/gloves is recommended. 

Fill each bag only halfway up, to allow for folding.

Sandbag Placement

Remove any debris from the area where bags are to be placed, to prevent gaps/punctures. Place half-filled bags lengthwise and parallel to the direction of water flow. If tied bags are used, flatten them and flare the tied end. If bags are untied, fold the open end to form a triangle. Place succeeding bags on the folded or flared portion of the previous bag and stamp into place to eliminate gaps and form a seal. Stagger joint connections when multiple layers are necessary (see graphics for guidelines).

San Rafael Sandbag Graphic