Winter Storm Prep & Sandbags
January 2023
Embedded Files
During heavy winter storms with a lot of rain in the Winter of 2023/24 WPV-CERT was activated to help fill sandbags for residents both in Portola Valley and Woodside sandbagging stations. Click here for some more information about where to get sandbags for residents, how to fill and place them correctly and how to dispose of them.
Portola Valley and Woodside Sandbag Stations
Portola Valley and Woodside Sandbag Stations
Portola Valley
Portola Valley
Sandbags and sand for residents at the Portola Valley Town Center, across from the Tennis & basketball courts.
The self-serve sandbag station is located at Portola Valley Town Center along the southern driveway, across from the basketball courts. The station is accessible daily and will remain available through the end of the rainy season. Bags, sand, funnels, and shovels are provided. The bags are located in the metal barrel.
Please note: This resource is available to Portola Valley residents only, and is not for commercial or contractor use.
For more information or to report depleted supplies, please report on PV Connect or call the Portola Valley Public Works Department at (650) 851-1700 x 500 or email TownCenter@portolavalley.net.
Woodside
Woodside
Sandbags and sand for Woodside residents in front of the Woodside Town Hall.
Sand and sandbags are available at Town Hall for Town of Woodside residents and businesses for the purpose of storm response and flood protection.
The sand is located in front of Town Hall as shown on the location map.
For more information about sandbags and sand for inincorporated areas of San Mateo County, see this page.
These supplies are intended to be used during an active storm event or to prevent immediate flooding. Non-emergency use of supplies would affect residents in need during an actual emergency.
Sand and bags are available for private purchase at a number of local building material suppliers.
Tips:
use two people: one to hold the bag and one to fill
fill the sandbags only about halfway - else they get too heavy and also cannot mold into place
stack with the flap facing down and folded over, with the open end pointing downstream
stack at most two high
use a tarp underneath the sandbags and up the wall to prevent intrusion into doorways
Proper Filling and Placement of Sand Bags
Proper Filling and Placement of Sand Bags
Download this flyer on the proper placement of sand bags provided by the County of San Mateo Public Works Department.
Also see the winter storm preparedness checklists and recommendations from the PV Town website.
And for general earthquake, fire and emergency preparedness for your home or neighborhood, please learn more and organize using wpv-ready.org !
Disposal of Sand bags
Disposal of Sand bags
Sandbags used during a flood event may have come in contact with a myriad of substances, including: sewage, petroleum or other chemicals.
Do not place filled sandbags in your normal garbage or at the curb for disposal. Full sandbags will not be picked up. Proper sandbag disposal is the responsibility of the user, whether that person is a resident, business owner, government entity or not-for-profit organization. If your sandbag was provided by The Town of Portola Valley or the County of San Mateo or another source, proper disposal of the sandbag remains your responsibility.
To dispose of sandbags contact Green Waste Recovery - https://www.greenwaste.com/portola-valley/
Handling of Sand bags
Handling of Sand bags
Consider the contaminants to which your sandbags may have been exposed before handling and wear appropriate personal protective equipment (e.g. gloves, goggles).
After handling sandbags, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
Reuse of Sand bags
Reuse of Sand bags
If your sandbags have been contaminated, they should be properly disposed of.
Uncontaminated sandbags may be stored on your property for reuse. However, mold can become a problem if they are wet. Ensure sandbags are stored in a dry place.
Burlap and plastic sandbags free of contaminants may be reused at other flood sites or for a different use such as construction or permanent earthen structures.
Uncontaminated dirt or sand (contents of the sandbag) may be reused on your property assuming the material is not used to fill a wetland or other protected area.
Clean empty bags may be reused or disposed of as other waste would be.
Disposal of uncontaminated Sand bags
Disposal of uncontaminated Sand bags
Full sandbags placed in the garbage or at the curb will not be picked up as a part of your normal garbage collection.
Proper disposal varies based on what has come into contact with the sandbag.
Contact Green Waste Recovery for additional information at: 650.568.9900
Disposal of Contaminated Sand bags
Disposal of Contaminated Sand bags
Contaminated sandbags and their contents should not be reused.
Contaminants might include sewage, petroleum or other chemicals.
Wear appropriate personal protective equipment when handling and ensure areas that come in contact with contaminated sandbags are disinfected.
Sandbags contaminated with petroleum and other chemicals may have to be disposed of as hazardous waste, and laboratory testing may be required to determine if this is the case.
Contact Green Waste Recovery for additional information at: 650.568.9900
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