City of Scottsdale: Monsoons Expected, Get Free Sandbags

Posted By The Peak on Jul 22, 2019

July 22, 2019

Monsoon expected to hit today – Sandbags available for residents as part of monsoon preparedness

Monsoon Sunset, Courtesy :Les Conklin

Summer monsoon storms can develop rapidly and cause severe localized winds and flooding.

The city offers a variety of safety tips and resources to help you better prepare.

If your property is at risk for flooding, the city offers free sandbags. Both sand and bags are available 24 hours a day for Scottsdale residents on a first-come, first-served basis at these locations:

Parking lot of District 1 Police Headquarters, 7601 E. McKellips Road
Near the city’s north Corporation Yard, 9379 E. San Salvador
Solid Waste Transfer Station, 8417 E. Union Hills Drive

Shovels and bags will be provided by the city, but residents are required to fill their own bags. All the supplies and equipment — sand, bags and shovels — are located in large roll-off refuse containers at each site.

There is a limit of 10 bags per household.
Sandbags are most effective when placed in front of entry points
Fill the bags one-half to two-thirds full. The bag should lie fairly flat when filled.

To get more information on how and where to use sandbags, watch this video produced by the Maricopa County Flood Control District.

Here are additional tips to help you stay safe this monsoon season:

During heavy rains, the safest strategy is to stay in place – remain in your home or place of business. Don’t travel unless you have to. Obey all signs and avoid low-lying areas. Do not cross running water.

There are a number of steps residents can take to prepare for potential storms:

Stay informed.

Updates will be posted on the city’s website: www.ScottsdaleAZ.gov
Updates will also be shared on city Twitter accounts: @ScottsdalePD, @ScottsdaleFire and @ScottsdaleAZgov.
The city’s call center at 480-312-3111 is open from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays to answer questions and share storm information.

Be prepared

Put together a simple supplies kit with basics like flashlights, batteries and bottled water. For more details on what you need and how to put together a kit, visit www.ready.gov/kit.
Make sure you have a plan to communicate with your family and loved ones during a storm. Get more information on creating a plan at www.ready.gov/make-a-plan.

Use caution

Don’t travel in heavy rain unless necessary. Obey all signs and avoid low-lying areas. Do not cross running water. More car safety tips are available at www.ready.gov/car.
Call ahead if you’re planning to use city parks, the preserve and recreation areas. The city’s call center at 480-312-3111 will have closure information.

In Scottsdale, heavy rains can cause the Indian Bend Wash to fill with water and close unbridged cross streets. Always obey traffic signs and do not try to cross running water or flooded areas. Unbridged Indian Bend Wash crossings include: