Sandbagging is one simple, effective way to prevent or reduce flood water damage. Although sandbags do not guarantee a watertight seal, they can help prevent costly water damage. 
 
 Sandbags have been used to: 

• Redirect storm water runoff to storm drains
• Redirect overflowing storm runoff drains from personal property
• Reduce leakage at closure structures
• Prevent overtopping of levees 
• Direct a river's current flow to specific areas

 Lincoln County Self-Serve Public Sandbagging Stations 

Hours:  Mid-October through mid-April
You can access sand any time of day or night.

If you plan on using the self-serve sandbagging station, remember to bring a shovel. Community members may gather up to 10 sandbags per household, per season. Those in need of more than 10 sandbags at a time are encouraged to reach out to local hardware stores and purchase them in advance. Protection of private property is the property owners’ responsibility and begins prior to storm events. 

If you have a water run off hazard or a structure in flood plain, you should:

• Assess your property in advance. Waiting until the water is at your doorstep is too late; there won’t be enough time or resources to effectively mitigate the water or debris run off.  
• Consider flood insurance. Visit the National Flood Insurance Program or DFR – Flood Insurance.
• Educate yourself regarding sandbag quantities, sandbag placement techniques, and the help you might need to accomplish the task.
• If you know your property often floods, please evacuate when flood warnings are issued. Lincoln County Emergency Management cannot help you with food or evacuations once flood has surrounded or entered your home. (Is this okay???)

Additional information about sandbagging and floods can be found on the Emergency Management Hazards – Flooding & River Levels page.