COUNTY OFFERS FREE SAND BAGS

Source: County of San Diego

November 2, 2014 (San Diego’s East County)--Rainfall this weekend is a sign that the winter rainy season is right around the corner. Once again the County of San Diego is making free sand and bags available to residents in the unincorporated areas. (Just bring your own shovel, please.)

• Cal Fire Station 73: 28205 North Lake Wohlford Road, Valley Center
• Pauma Valley-Rincon, Cal Fire Station 70: 16971 Highway 76, Valley Center
• Cal Fire Station 50: 1587 Highway 78, Julian
• Alpine Fire Protection District, Station 17: 1364 Tavern Road, Alpine (Bags ONLY)
• Ramona Station: 3410 Dye Road, Ramona, CA
• North County Fire Protection District, Station 4: 4375 Pala Mesa Drive, Fallbrook
• Cal Fire Station 30: 17304 Highway 94, Dulzura
• Bonita/Sunnyside Fire Department: 4900 Bonita Road, Bonita
• Boulevard Fire & Rescue Department: 39223 State Route 94, Boulevard

In the county there are several areas that are prone to roadway flooding. The three most frequent are the dips at Quarry Road, Sandia Creek in the north county, and County Club in Harmony Grove. Gates at Quarry Road Dip drop down automatically when activated by sensors in the stream. Public Works crews will post road closures at Country Club, Sandia Creek and any other areas where unsafe driving conditions exist. You can monitor the status of the dips by webcam and plan your trip accordingly.

RELATED VIDEO: High-Tech Weather Center Keeps Watch for Flooding

And some tips for when the heavier rains do arrive: Never cross a flooded roadway if you cannot see the pavement. Even a few inches of water running at the right velocity can sweep a car, and even a truck, and its occupants off the roadway and downstream. You don’t want a swift-water rescue as part of your weekend activities.

During and immediately after heavy rainfall, do not go near storm channels, creeks or streams.

It’s always a good idea to carry chains if planning a trip to the mountains. Chain controls, road condition updates, and other safety advisories are posted on Public Works’ Facebook and Twitter. During severe weather events, the Public Works Emergency page is activated with the latest information.