​  Prepare for Flooding Before it Occurs 

 

Big Bear Fire Department crew, Jim McDaniel, Justin Fluke,

Jon Bidwell, Nick Bruinsma and Nick Turner fill sandbags. 

 

 

Floods are the most common

natural disaster in the United States.

 

Flooding causes more than $2 billion in property damage every year. The effects of El Niño 2016, could continue well into March, and Big Bear Fire Department encourages all Valley residents and businesses to plan ahead. Agencies within Big Bear Valley have stocked up with sand and sandbags to help the Valley’s residents protect their homes and businesses in the event that flooding occurs. Properly placed sandbags should redirect water, mud and debris reducing the risk of property damage.

Local authorities suggest getting sandbags early and make them part of your emergency supplies so they will be available if you need them. For 10 lineal feet with one foot of height, you will need 60 to 80 bags, and 1 to 1.3 cubic yards of sand. Sandbags should be filled half-full and placed lengthwise and parallel to the direction of the water flow, with the top folded down. Place sandbags in staggered layers, limited to three rows high. The purpose of the sandbags is to direct the flow of water, not dam it.

Many home improvement and hardware stores sell sand and sandbags. However, if unexpected flooding occurs, residents and businesses of Big Bear Valley can obtain a limited amount of sand and sandbags free of charge at the following locations:

Big Bear City Residents and Businesses

Big Bear Fire Station #282

301 West Big Bear Blvd

 

Big Bear Lake Residents and Businesses

Public Works Yard

42040 Garstin Drive

 

Fawnskin Residents and Businesses

San Bernardino County Fire Station 96,

39188 Rim of the World Drive

 It takes time to construct a wall of sandbags. Plan ahead! It is much easier to place sandbags before you are dealing with heavy runoff. For additional information on this or other life safety topics, please contact the Big Bear Fire Department at www.bigbearfire.org or (909) 866-7566.

  

About Big Bear Fire Department:

Big Bear Fire Authority was formed under a Joint Powers Agreement in 2012 combining Big Bear Lake Fire Protection District and Big Bear City Fire Department, now commonly known as Big Bear Fire Department. Since its inception, the Big Bear Fire Department is committed to providing Big Bear Valley with professional fire, medical and emergency services “Protecting Lives and Property,” with timely response to fire and medical emergencies.