Home Protection, It’s In The Bag

Do you know how to properly utilize sandbags? Properly placed sandbags can help redirect water, mud and debris away from your home. Bags should be filled with heavy-bodied or sandy soil, avoid fine sand and rocky soils. They should be filled one-half to two-thirds full and in most instances be left untied. This allows the sand inside the sandbag to move and mold with the ground or other sandbags when they are laid on top of each other, preventing gaps where water can seep through.

Keep in mind, sandbags DO NOT guarantee a water-tight seal, but following these instructions can help you more effectively protect your home and property.

The County of San Bernardino offers free sandbags and sand throughout the county, and officials strongly urge residents to use this resource. However, County fire stations maintain only a limited supply of sandbags to be used during an emergency. Homeowners should not depend on that supply. Sand and sandbags can also be purchased at many home improvement and hardware stores. Purchase sandbags early and make them a part of your emergency supplies so they will be available if you need them.

Using Sandbags

The Army Corps of Engineers gives detailed instructions on how to best place sandbags, so they are most effective:

  • checkedRemove any debris from the areas where bags are to be placed.
  • checkedPlace the bags lengthwise and parallel to the direction of flow. Fill the low spots first before placing bags the full length of the area to be raised.
  • checkedPlace the sandbags to redirect water, mud or debris, not dam it.
  • crossedDo NOT place sandbags directly against the outer wall of a building. Wet bags can create added pressure on the foundation.
  • checkedFold the open end of the bag under the filled portion. Place succeeding bags with the bottom of the bag tightly and partially overlapping the previous bag.
  • checkedOffset adjacent rows or layers by one-half bag length to avoid continuous joints.
  • checkedTo eliminate voids and form a tight seal, compact and shape each bag by walking on it and continue the process as each layer is placed. This flattens the top of the bag and prevents slippage between succeeding layers.
  • checkedSandbags can best be used to help protect doorways if a waterproof layer like heavy plastic or waterproof canvas is placed behind them. If possible, tape it to the door frame. Stack the sandbags in a pyramid formation, following the above instructions, and wrap the plastic up and over the top. The waterproof sheeting is always essential for protection of doorways.

Check the National Weather Service to see current and upcoming weather events.

Sandbag Locations in San Bernardino County

Sandbags are available at no cost to local residents and businesses on a first come, first serve basis at local fire stations. County Fire personnel may not be available at all times depending on emergency calls.

Residents are encouraged not to rely on this limited supply and to prepare ahead of time. Sandbags can also be purchased at most home improvement stores. Depending on the location, sand and shovels are available at the locations listed below.

San Bernardino County Fire
Station No. 76
10174 Magnolia
Bloomington, CA 92316

(909) 877-2213 (Admin. Office)

  • checkedSandbags
  • crossedSand

Fire Department No. 211 §
303 East “E” Street
Colton, CA 92324
(909) 370-5100 (Admin. Office)

  • checkedSandbags
  • checkedSand

Fire Department No. 214 §
1151 Meadow Lane
Colton, CA 92324
(909) 370-5100

10 sandbags per City resident

  • checkedSandbags
  • checkedSand

San Bernardino County
Station No. 1
2824 East W Street
San Bernardino, CA 92408
M-F, 8-5
(909) 382-5404

  • checkedSandbags
  • checkedSand

San Bernardino County Fire
Station No. 2
1511 Devore Road
Devore, CA 92407
(909) 473-8680

  • checkedSandbags
  • checkedSand

San Bernardino County Fire
Station No. 23
22582 City Center Court (In field next to Fire Station)
Grand Terrace, CA 92324
(909) 825-0221

  • checkedSandbags
  • checkedSand

Grand Terrace City Public Works Yard
22795 Barton Road
Grand Terrace, CA 92313
(909) 825-3825

  • checkedSandbags
  • checkedSand

Sand/sandbags available
6:00 am – 4:30 pm: Monday – Thursday)

CAL FIRE
Fire Station No. 541 § (SANDBAGS)
26974 Baseline
Highland, CA 92346
(909) 862-3031

  • checkedSandbags
  • crossedSand

CAL FIRE
Fire Station No. 542 §
29507 Baseline
Highland, CA 92346
(909) 862-1760

  • checkedSandbags
  • checkedSand

CAL FIRE – Fire Station No. 543 §
(SANDBAGS AVAILABLE)
7649 Sterling Avenue
Highland, CA 92346
(909) 884-4100

  • checkedSandbags
  • crossedSand

Loma Linda City Corp Yard §
26000 Barton Road
Loma Linda, CA
(909) 799-4410

  • checkedSandbags
  • checkedSand

10 sandbags per City resident

San Bernardino County Fire
Station No. 9
1300 Crafton Avenue
Mentone, CA 92359
(909) 794-1284

  • checkedSandbags
  • checkedSand

San Bernardino County Fire
Station No. 75
2852 Macy Avenue
Muscoy, CA 92316
(909) 887-2727

  • checkedSandbags
  • checkedSand

Station No. 203 §
1452 North Linden
Rialto, CA 92376
M-F, 8-5
(909) 820-2501 or (909) 875-3211

  • checkedSandbags
  • checkedSand

Station No. 204 §
3288 North Alder Avenue
Rialto, CA 92376
(909) 820-2699

  • checkedSandbags
  • checkedSand

Wildwood Park §
40th & Waterman Avenue
San Bernardino, CA
(909) 384-7272 (M-Th 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.)
(909) 384-5742 (after hours)

  • checkedSandbags
  • checkedSand

Blair Park §
Little Mountain Drive & 33rd Street
San Bernardino, CA
(909) 384-7272 (M-Th 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.)
(909) 384-5742 (after hours)

  • checkedSandbags
  • checkedSand

Nunez Park (formerly Gateway Park) §
5th & Medical Center Drive
San Bernardino, CA
(909) 384-7272 (M-Th 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.)
(909) 384-5742 (after hours)

  • checkedSandbags
  • crossedSand

San Bernardino County Fire
Station No. 226
1920 N. Del Rosa Ave.
San Bernardino, CA 92404
(909) 384-5406

  • checkedSandbags
  • checkedSand

San Bernardino County Fire
Station No. 227
282 W. 40th St.
San Bernardino, CA 92407
(909) 384-5407

  • checkedSandbags
  • crossedSand

San Bernardino County Fire
Station No. 228
(SANDBAGS & SAND AVAILABLE)
3398 E. Highland Ave
San Bernardino, CA 92346
(909) 384-5408

  • checkedSandbags
  • checkedSand

CAL FIRE
Fire Station No. 551 §
11416 Bryant Street
Yucaipa, CA 92399
(909) 797-1000

  • checkedSandbags
  • checkedSand

CAL FIRE
Fire Station No. 552 §
32664 Yucaipa Boulevard
Yucaipa, CA 92399
(909) 797-2313

  • checkedSandbags
  • checkedSand

CAL FIRE
Fire Station No. 553 §
34259 Wildwood Canyon Road
Yucaipa, CA 92399
(909) 795-3048

  • checkedSandbags
  • checkedSand

Fire Station No. 61 §
5078 Schaefer Avenue
Chino, CA 91710
(909) 902-5261
Residents only – Must have proof of residency.

  • checkedSandbags
  • checkedSand

Fire Station No. 63 §
7550 Kimball Avenue
Chino, CA
(909) 606-2415

  • checkedSandbags
  • checkedSand

Fire Station No. 67 § (SANDBAGS & SAND AVAILABLE)
5980 Riverside Drive
Chino, CA 91710
(909) 902-5267

  • checkedSandbags
  • checkedSand

Fire Station No. 62 §
5551 Butterfield Ranch Road
Chino Hills, CA 91709
(909) 597-9062

  • checkedSandbags
  • checkedSand

Fire Station No. 64 §
16231 Canon Lane
Chino Hills, CA 91709
(909) 597-9064

  • checkedSandbags
  • checkedSand

Bring your own shovel

City of Fontana §
City Yard @ Public Works
16489 Orange Way
Fontana, CA 92335
(909) 350-6760

  • checkedSandbags
  • crossedSand

(10) SANDBAGS AVAILABLE – FOR RESIDENTS ONLY

San Bernardino County Fire Station No. 71
6980 Arrow
Fontana, CA 92335
M-F, 8-5
(909) 829-4471

  • checkedSandbags
  • crossedSand

San Bernardino County Fire Station No. 72
15380 San Bernardino Avenue
Fontana, CA 92335
M-F, 8-5
(909) 829-4441

  • checkedSandbags
  • checkedSand

San Bernardino County Fire Station No. 73
14360 Arrow
Fontana, CA 92335
M-F, 8-5
(909) 822-6053

  • checkedSandbags
  • crossedSand

San Bernardino County Fire Station No. 74
11500 Live Oak
Fontana, CA 92335
M-F, 8-5
(909) 355-1098

  • checkedSandbags
  • checkedSand

San Bernardino County Fire Station No. 77
17459 Slover Ave.
Fontana, CA 92335
M-F, 8-5
(909) 428-7596

  • checkedSandbags
  • checkedSand

San Bernardino County Fire Station No. 78
7110 Citrus Avenue
Fontana, CA 92335
M-F, 8-5
(909) 350-1470

  • checkedSandbags
  • checkedSand

San Bernardino County Fire Station No. 79
5075 Coyote Canyon Road
Fontana, CA 92336
(909) 463-3998

  • checkedSandbags
  • crossedSand

Montclair City Yard § (Behind Fire Station No. 2) (During business hours: 6:30 am – 5:00 pm – Monday – Thursday)
10835 Monte Vista Avenue
Montclair, CA 91763
(909) 625-9465

  • checkedSandbags
  • checkedSand

Restrictions/Limitations: Sand/sandbags are only available for Montclair residents (proof of residency is required). Maximum of 10 sandbags per address.

San Bernardino County Fire
Station No. 20
497 Lytle Creek Road
Lytle Creek, CA 92358
(909) 887-2212

  • checkedSandbags
  • checkedSand

Mount Baldy Station No. 200
36 Mount Baldy Road
Mount Baldy, CA 91759
(909) 982-1213

  • checkedSandbags
  • checkedSand

DeAnza Park §
1405 South Fern Avenue

  • checkedSandbags
  • checkedSand

Sand available in the Phillips Street Parking Lot; 15 bags/citizen

John Galvin Park §
4th Street & Grove Avenue (Southwest Corner)

  • checkedSandbags
  • checkedSand

Sand available in the Grove Avenue Parking Lot, located south of 4th Street; 15 bags/citizen

Anthony Munoz Park §
1240 West 4th Street

  • checkedSandbags
  • checkedSand

Sand available in the North Parking Lot,
accessed from 5th Street; 15 bags/citizen

Amethyst Fire Station #171 §
6627 Amethyst Street
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91737
(909) 477-2700, Ext. 2020
(Limit of 25 sandbags per resident)

  • checkedSandbags
  • checkedSand

Banyan Fire Station #175 §
11108 Banyan Street
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91737
(909) 477-2700, Ext. 2020
(Limit of 25 sandbags per resident)

  • checkedSandbags
  • checkedSand

East Avenue Fire Station #176 § 5840 East Avenue
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91739
(909) 477-2700, Ext. 2020
(Limit of 25 sandbags per resident)

  • checkedSandbags
  • checkedSand

Hellman Avenue Fire Station #177 §
9270 Rancho Street
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91737
(909) 477-2700, Ext. 2020
(Limit of 25 sandbags per resident)

  • checkedSandbags
  • checkedSand

If you are unable to fill the sandbags yourself, please contact Fire District Headquarters at (909) 477-2770 for alternate arrangements and accommodations.

San Bernardino County Fire
Station No. 12
2413 North Euclid Avenue
Upland, CA 91784
(909) 982-2611

  • checkedSandbags
  • checkedSand

City of Upland – Public Works Yard
Upland residents only
1370 N. Benson Avenue
Upland, CA 91786

Administrative Office 909-291-2930
(M-Th 8:00AM- 6:00PM)

  • checkedSandbags
  • checkedSand

San Bernardino County Fire
Station No. 322
10370 Rancho Road
Adelanto, CA 92301
(760) 246-3331

  • checkedSandbags
  • crossedSand

Apple Valley Fire Protection District, Station No. 331 §
22400 Headquarters Drive Apple Valley, CA 92307
(760) 247-7618
M-F, 8-5
10 sandbags per household

  • checkedSandbags
  • crossedSand

San Bernardino County Fire
Station No. 53
72734 Baker Road
Baker, CA 92309
(760) 733-4026

  • checkedSandbags
  • crossedSand

San Bernardino County Fire
Station No. 52
39059 Kathy Lane Harvard, CA 92398 (760) 257-4756

  • checkedSandbags
  • crossedSand

San Bernardino County Fire
Station No. 4
27089 Helendale Road
Helendale, CA 92342
(760) 245-5022

  • checkedSandbags
  • checkedSand

Community Services District (CSD)
26540 Vista Road
Helendale, CA 92342
(760) 951-0006

  • checkedSandbags
  • checkedSand

City of Hesperia Mojave Public Works Yard
17282 Mojave Street
Hesperia, CA 92345
(760) 947-1400
*Under Main Street Bridge

  • checkedSandbags
  • checkedSand

Residents must fill own sandbags

City of Hesperia
9700 Seventh Avenue
Hesperia, CA 92345
(760) 947-1000
M-F, 8-5

  • checkedSandbags
  • crossedSand

San Bernardino County Fire
Station No. 301
9430 11th Street
Hesperia, CA 92345
(760) 947-8023 (Office)
M-F, 8-5

  • crossedSandbags
  • checkedSand

ONLY SAND IS AVAILABLE

San Bernardino County Fire
Station No. 302
17288 Olive St.
Hesperia, CA 92345
(760) 947-8023 (Office)
M-F, 8-5

  • checkedSandbags
  • checkedSand

San Bernardino County Fire
Station No. 304
15660 Eucalyptus Street
Hesperia, CA 92345
(760) 947-8023 (Office)
M-F, 8-5

  • checkedSandbags
  • checkedSand

San Bernardino County Fire
Station No. 305
8331 Caliente Road
Hesperia, CA 92345
(760) 947-8023 (Office)
M-F, 8-5

  • checkedSandbags
  • checkedSand

San Bernardino County Fire
Station No. 56
37284 Flower PO Box 218
Hinkley, CA 92347
(760) 253-7704

  • checkedSandbags
  • crossedSand

San Bernardino County Fire
Station No. 10
9625 Beekley Road
Phelan, CA 92371
(760) 947-8023 (Office)
M-F, 8-5

  • checkedSandbags
  • checkedSand

San Bernardino County Fire
Station No. 13
10433 Mt. Road
Pinon Hills, CA 92372
(760) 947-8023 (Office)
M-F, 8-5

  • checkedSandbags
  • crossedSand

San Bernardino County Fire
Station No. 22
12550 Jacarando Avenue
Victorville, CA 92392
(760) 245-1100

  • checkedSandbags
  • checkedSand

San Bernardino County Fire
Station No. 57
83732 Trona Road
Trona, CA 92562
(760) 372-5988

  • checkedSandbags
  • crossedSand

City of Victorville §
14177 McArt Road
Victorville, CA 92392
(760) 241-6365
M-TH 7:30-5:30

  • checkedSandbags
  • crossedSand

Maximum of 10 bags per property;
Limited access – 7:00AM to 4:00PM only

Victorville Fire
Station No. 311
16200 Desert Knoll Drive
Victorville, CA 92392
(760) 951-8722

  • checkedSandbags
  • checkedSand

Victorville Fire
Station No. 312 (SANDBAGS & SAND AVAILABLE)
15182 El Evado
Victorville, CA 92392
(760) 243-1947

  • checkedSandbags
  • checkedSand

Victorville Fire
Station No. 313
13086 Amethyst Road
Victorville, CA 92392
(760) 241-7370

  • checkedSandbags
  • checkedSand

Victorville Fire
Station No. 314
17008 Silica Street
Victorville, CA 92392
(760) 245-7756

  • checkedSandbags
  • checkedSand

Victorville Fire
Station No. 319
18550 Readiness
Victorville, CA 92394
(760) 246-6479

  • checkedSandbags
  • checkedSand

San Bernardino County Fire
Station No. 36
6733 Park Boulevard
Joshua Tree, CA 92252
(760) 366-8423

  • checkedSandbags
  • crossedSand

San Bernardino County Fire
Station No. 8
33679 Highway 247
Lucerne Valley, CA 92356
(760) 248-7322

  • checkedSandbags
  • checkedSand

San Bernardino County Fire
Station No. 44
6560 Adobe Rd Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
760-367-7524

  • checkedSandbags
  • checkedSand

San Bernardino County Fire
Station No. 41
57201 Twentynine Palms Hwy
Yucca Valley, CA 92284
(760) 228-2160

  • checkedSandbags
  • crossedSand

San Bernardino County Fire
Station 42
58612 Aberdeen Dr.
Yucca Valley, CA 92284
(760) 228-1991

  • checkedSandbags
  • checkedSand

San Bernardino County Fire
Station No. 98 (SANDBAGS AND SAND AVAILABLE)
5766 Frontage Road
Angelus Oaks, CA 92305
(909) 794-3227

  • checkedSandbags
  • checkedSand

San Bernardino County Fire
Station No. 25
23407 Crest Forest Drive
Crestline, CA 92325
(909) 338-3311

  • checkedSandbags
  • checkedSand

San Bernardino County Fire
Station No. 26
737 Grandview Road
Twin Peaks, CA 92391
(909) 337-8326

  • checkedSandbags
  • checkedSand

San Bernardino County Fire
Station No. 96
39188 Rim of the World Drive Fawnskin, CA 92333 (909) 866-4878

  • checkedSandbags
  • checkedSand

San Bernardino County Fire
Station No. 99
40847 Valley of the Falls Drive
Forest Falls, CA 92339
(909) 794-4413 or
(909) 796-3838
M-F, 8-5

  • checkedSandbags
  • checkedSand

San Bernardino County Fire
Station No. 95
33596 Green Valley Lake Drive
Green Valley Lake, CA 92341
(909) 867-2176 or (909) 350-0177
M-F, 8-5

  • checkedSandbags
  • checkedSand

San Bernardino County Fire
Station No. 91
301 South State Highway 173
Lake Arrowhead, CA 92352
(909) 337-8586
M-F, 8-5

  • checkedSandbags
  • checkedSand

San Bernardino County Fire
Station No. 92 (SANDBAGS AVAILABLE)
981 North State Highway 173
Lake Arrowhead, CA 92352
(909) 337-3002
M-F, 8-5

  • checkedSandbags
  • crossedSand

San Bernardino County Fire
Station No. 94
27176 Peninsula Drive
Lake Arrowhead, CA 92352
(909) 337-3004
M-F, 8-5

  • checkedSandbags
  • checkedSand

Station 51
31250 Hilltop Blvd.
Running Springs, CA 92382
(909) 867-2630

  • checkedSandbags
  • checkedSand

San Bernardino County Fire
Station No. 14
5980 Elm Street
Wrightwood, CA 92397
(760) 249-3206

  • checkedSandbags
  • checkedSand

Disclaimer: The information on this list has been checked but some agencies were unavailable for verification. Please check with your appropriate local jurisdiction to verify availability of sand/sandbags.

§ = Within local city jurisdiction.

Private Industry Sandbag Purchase Availability: Check local listings for Home Improvement Centers

Last Updated: November 2019