The Kern County Fire Department is assisting the public to prepare for the predicted El Niño storms by providing free sandbags and sand at the Frazier Mountain Park Community Center on Saturday, Dec. 19 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon (3801 Park Drive, FP) and at Cuddy Hall in Lake of the Woods from noon to 2 p.m. (335 Lakewood Drive, LOW).

Residents can fill up to 25 sandbags per address with provided sand. Supplies are limited. This event will be the last of sandbag distribution through fire stations. Additional sandbags can be purchased at home improvement stores and online.

The Kern County Fire Department is transitioning from emergency preparedness to emergency response.

Sand and sandbags will still be provided at KCFD Headquarters during normal business hours in Bakersfield.

“With the threat of upcoming El Niño storms, it is important that residents protect their loved ones and property,” said Supervisor David Couch. “My office is happy to partner with the Fire Department and Public Works Department to provide 10,000 sandbags and sand free of charge for Mountain Community residents.”

Sandbags are just one way to help protect private property during potential flood conditions.

Residents are encouraged to prepare by also clearing rain gutters, inspecting roofs and researching flood insurance. It usually takes 30 days after purchase for insurance to become active, so research that today.

More information can be found at: www.kerncountyfire.org/education/emergency-preparedness/el-nino-information.html.

—Compiled from KCFD data

This is part of the December 18, 2015 online edition of The Mountain Enterprise.

Have an opinion on this matter? We'd like to hear from you.