In advance of predicted rain events, self-serve Sandbag Stations are open 8 a.m.-4 p.m. today, Thursday, Nov. 13 and Friday, Nov. 14, the city of Santa Barbara has announced.

Sandbags are available to residents free of charge at the following two locations that serve the community during severe storm events:

• City Annex Yard, 401 E. Yanonali St.

• City Fire Station 7, 2411 Stanwood Drive

The city Sandbag Distribution Policy is designed to assist in the protection of private property only during storm emergency conditions. Note the following:

• Bring your own gloves and shovels and be prepared to fill the bags you need.
• Fill your sandbags halfway so they are not too heavy to lift and can be stacked properly.
• You may take 20 sandbags per trip.
• To learn how to fill and stack sandbags, watch the video.

For more sandbag information, visit SantaBarbaraCA.gov/Sandbags.

For clogged/blocked storm drains or streets related emergencies, call the Public Works Streets Division, 805-564-5454.