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SANTA FE, N.M., Sept. 21, 2026—Santa Fe County is providing sandbags and sand to help residents prepare for the possibility of localized flooding on Tuesday and Wednesday this week. A flood watch is currently in effect from Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday afternoon.

Santa Fe County residents can fill sandbags at four Santa Fe County Fire Stations beginning at noon on Tuesday, Sept. 22.

• Pojoaque Station 50 - 17919 U.S. 84/285
• La Puebla Station 52 - 31 Fire House Road
• La Cienega Station 60 - 37 Rancho Viejo Blvd
• Agua Fria Station 61 - 58 Caja Del Oro Grant Road 

Each household may fill up to 30 bags, and supplies are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Fire crews may not be available to help with filling or transporting the bags, as they remain subject to emergency calls.

Bring your own shovel. Filling sandbags usually takes two people, one to hold the bag and another to fill it. The use of safety goggles and gloves is recommended. Fill the bag one-half to two-thirds full to allow room for a good seal. 

To use the sandbags, remove debris from where the bags will be placed. Place the bags lengthwise and parallel to the direction of water flow, with the open end of the bag facing against the water flow. Tuck and overlap the bags: lay each bag so the folded end of one overlaps the unfilled portion of the next. If you are going to stack them, stagger them in a brick-like formation.

Once the threat of flooding has subsided, if your sandbags are clean and have not been contaminated by floodwater, you can store them for reuse or empty them into your garden soil. Throw away the empty bags. Do not dump sandbags into storm drains or waterways, because they can cause blockages.

Prepare for the possibility of flash flooding

Consider a pre-storm walk with your neighbors to clear leaves, trash, and yard debris from curb inlets, ditches, and culverts. This helps keep water moving away from homes.

If you encounter a flooded roadway or area, turn around, don’t drown! Do not walk, drive, or swim through floodwater. Stay off bridges over fast-moving water. Fast-moving water can wash bridges away without warning. Make an evacuation plan and be ready to shelter in place. If your home is flooding, move to higher ground or a higher floor to stay above rising floodwater. Do not become trapped in a basement or attic.

Monitor forecasts and be prepared to act if Flash Flood warnings are issued.

Sign up for Alert Santa Fe to receive alerts when roads are closed in your area due to localized flooding or other weather emergencies. Alert Santa Fe is the County’s official emergency alert and notification system to share information with the public during emergencies.

Report flooding or unpassable roads and bridges to the non-emergency dispatch number, (505) 428-3710.  Please be patient as dispatchers often receive high call volumes during inclement weather events.

For any emergency requiring an immediate response from law enforcement, fire department, or emergency medical services dial 9-1-1.

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