Long Beach Offers Free Sandbags Ahead of Winter Storm Season

After a string of fierce storms that ripped through the coastline and left several neighborhoods ankle‑deep in water, Long Beach is taking a proactive step. Starting this weekend, the city will give away pre‑filled sandbags—free of charge—to anyone who needs them.

Mayor Rex Richardson summed it up nicely: “Preparing for severe weather starts long before the next storm arrives.” He reminded residents that while sandbags aren’t a magic bullet, they do buy you precious time when water tries to sneak into basements and ground‑floor rooms.

The giveaways are set up as drive‑throughs, a format that keeps traffic moving and limits close contact. The first pop‑up will be at the Long Beach City College Trades, Technology & Community Learning Campus, 1305 E. Pacific Coast Highway, on Saturday, Oct. 24, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The second will take place at the Liberal Arts Campus, 4901 E. Carson St., Lot M, on Saturday, Nov. 7, same hours. City staff will load up to ten sandbags into each vehicle—just roll up, grab a bag, and you’re set.

Can’t make it to the college lots? No problem. Empty sandbags are stocked at fire stations 7, 12, 13, and 14. Bring a shovel or a bucket; the sand’s on the house, but you’ll need to do the heavy lifting yourself.

The timing isn’t random. Meteorologists are flagging an El Niño‑influenced winter, meaning rain and surf could be heavier than usual. The city’s emergency proclamation, signed on Sept. 22, aims to sharpen response times and protect vulnerable, low‑lying areas that took a hard hit during the three back‑to‑back storms earlier this year.

Beyond sandbags, officials urge residents to clear gutters, secure patio furniture, and sign up for Alert Long Beach— the city’s text‑and‑email warning system. Detailed prep tips are posted on the municipal emergency‑preparedness site, where you can also find maps of flood‑prone zones.

It’s a community effort, and the hope is simple: give every household a basic line of defense before the next wave rolls in. If you live in Long Beach, take advantage of the free sandbags, stock up on the empty ones at your local fire station, and make a plan. The city’s ready to help—now it’s up to you to be ready.