Pinellas County is revolutionizing hurricane preparedness with its latest initiative: a year-round pre-filled sandbag pick-up site, providing residents with up to 10 free sandbags ahead of the storm season.
Today we opened our first self-service sandbag pickup site for residents of the unincorporated county! Households can pick up 10 pre-filled sandbags next door to our Household Hazardous Waste facility at 2855 109th Ave N., St. Petersburg. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/iZnm4VtvzL
— Pinellas County (@PinellasGov) May 10, 2024
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Located at the Pinellas County Solid Waste Complex in St. Petersburg, this innovative system eliminates the hassle of residents having to fill sandbags themselves. Marq Caughell, spokesperson for Pinellas County Public Works, emphasizes that while sandbags aren’t a cure-all solution, they are effective for mitigating low-level flooding, protecting at least one door from approximately 15 inches of water.
Gone are the days of waiting in long lines at self-serve locations as the storm approaches. With the new year-round site, residents can pick up sandbags at their convenience, Monday through Friday, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. However, it’s essential to note that the site will be closed when a storm is imminent, underscoring the importance of preparedness well in advance.
As hurricane season approaches, Pinellas County’s proactive approach to providing essential resources underscores its commitment to keeping residents safe and prepared for whatever Mother Nature may bring.
Read: Stay Safe, Tampa Bay: Your Ultimate Hurricane Season 2024 Guide
