Sandbagging

How To Use Sandbags

Fill sandbags one-half full. Fold the top of the sandbag down and rest the bag on its folded top. Sandbags should be placed tightly together and tamped down to ensure they are firm.

Free standing barriers should limited to three layers of sandbags, and each layer should be stacked so that the sandbags are offset from the layer below it.  If there is water flow, the folded end of the sandbag should be placed towards the direction of the water flow so that the sand will not leach out.

If the sandbag barrier is adjacent to a building, lay a plastic sheet between the building and the sandbag barrier. The plastic sheet should be placed underneath the bottom row of the sandbag barrier and extend behind the barrier and up the wall or door. Since the sandbag barrier is against a solid surface, it can be built up to two feet high. As mentioned above, sandbags should be placed tightly together and tamped into place with off-setting rows. The sandbag barrier should also extend on both sides beyond the area you are protecting.

Sandbags can be useful in redirecting storm water and debris flows away from your home. During rainy months, sand and sandbags are available at selected locations throughout Pleasant Hill. Two “fill-your-own” sandbag stations are available when winter storms are forecasted. These stations are stocked with a large pile of sand, and empty sandbags.  You should bring your own shovel, as there may not be one avaiable at the sand area.

Sand bagging stations are located at:

• City Hall Parking Lot (100 Gregory Lane at Trelaney Rd)
•  Pleasant Hill Community Center Parking Lot (320 Civic Drive behind the Police Department)

For those unable to fill their own sandbags, a limited number of pre-flled bags are available at the Public Service Center at 330 Civic Drive.  To check sandbag availability call the Pleasant Hill Maintenance Division at (925) 671-4646.  No pre-filled sandbags are available after 4pm.