Graphic shows staggered sandbags placed lengthwise in the direction of water flow.
Current Sandbag Availability
Sandbags and sand are available beginning at noon Tuesday, Sept. 22.
Santa Fe County residents may fill up to 30 bags per household. Supplies are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

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.

Sandbag Pickup Locations

Sandbags and sand are 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
Before You Go
  • Bring your own shovel.
  • Each household may fill up to 30 bags.
  • Supplies are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Filling sandbags usually takes two people: one to hold the bag and one to fill it.
  • Safety goggles and gloves are recommended.
  • Fire crews may not be available to assist because they remain subject to emergency calls.

How to Fill and Place Sandbags

Fill each bag one-half to two-thirds full to allow room for a good seal.

Before placing sandbags, remove debris from the area. 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 so the folded end of one overlaps the unfilled portion of the next. If stacking bags, stagger them in a brick-like formation.

After the Flood Threat

If your sandbags are clean and have not been contaminated by floodwater, you can store them for reuse or empty the sand into your garden soil. Throw away empty bags.

Do not dump sandbags into storm drains or waterways. They can cause blockages.

Prepare for 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.

Turn Around, Don't Drown

Do not walk, drive, or swim through floodwater. Stay off bridges over fast-moving water. Make an evacuation plan and be ready to shelter in place. If your home is flooding, move to higher ground or a higher floor. Do not become trapped in a basement or attic.

Stay Informed

Alert Santa Fe is the County's official emergency alert and notification system used to share information with the public during emergencies, including road closures caused by localized flooding or other weather emergencies.

Report Flooding

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

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

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