News and Articles
09/28/2026
Santa Fe County issues safety reminders and updates ahead of this week’s rain
SANTA FE, N.M., Sept. 28, 2026—With a flood watch in effect and showers and thunderstorms expected through Wednesday night, Santa Fe County is sharing safety reminders and updates.
Sand and sandbags are still available at the following Santa Fe County Fire Stations:
- 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. Bring your own shovel. Fire crews may not be available to help with filling or transporting the bags, as they remain subject to emergency calls.
Prepare your home and family
- Know whether your home is in or near a flood prone area, arroyo, wash, or low crossing.
- Keep emergency water, food, medications, flashlights, batteries, chargers, and first-aid supplies.
- Protect important documents and keep evacuation routes in mind.
- Keep children and pets away from floodwater, drainage channels, culverts, and arroyos.
- Follow evacuation instructions from local emergency officials, if any are issued.
- Santa Fe County issues emergency alert notifications through Alert Santa Fe.
A 72-hour emergency kit includes water, food, first aid and medical supplies, a light and power source, communication supplies, important documents, sanitation, and tools. This detailed checklist shares examples. A good emergency kit can help when you have to leave in a hurry or if you are stuck at home during a power outage or due to flooded roadways.
Driving during flooding
- Never drive around barricades or ROAD CLOSED signs.
- Use an alternate route when water covers the roadway.
- Be especially cautious at night when flood hazards are harder to see.
- 12 inches of rushing water can carry away most cars; about two feet can carry away SUVs and trucks.
- If water rises around your vehicle, move to higher ground if you can do so safely.
Road closures and alerts
- Check conditions before leaving home or work.
- Pay attention to county, municipal, New Mexico Department of Transportation, law enforcement, and emergency-management notices.
- A familiar road can become unsafe quickly during heavy rain.
- Never move, ignore, or drive around a barricade.
- Allow extra travel time and be prepared to change your route.
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.
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.
Visit the Weather Preparedness webpage on the Santa Fe County website for more information.
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