City of Long Beach to Host Two Sandbag Distribution Events at Long Beach City College to Prepare Residents for Winter

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PRESS RELEASE

First responders work to fill sandbags on the Peninsula, which has been severely impacted by recent storms.

Long Beach, CA - Following three back-to-back storms that brought significant coastal flooding and damage to private and public property, the City of Long Beach is strongly encouraging residents citywide to prepare for a potentially severe El Niño-influenced 2026-27 winter season by stocking up on sandbags. The City is partnering with Long Beach City College (LBCC) to host two sandbag distribution events ahead of winter.

"Preparing for severe weather starts long before the next storm arrives," said Mayor Rex Richardson. "Long Beach has a plan to protect our neighborhoods, strengthen our infrastructure and respond when severe weather strikes. We want every household to have a plan, too. These sandbag distribution events are one of the ways we're helping residents take proactive steps to protect their homes and families. By preparing early and working together, we can make Long Beach more resilient and ready for whatever winter brings."

The first distribution will be held Saturday, Oct. 24, at the LBCC Trades, Technology and Community Learning Campus (1305 E Pacific Coast Hwy.) and the other will be held on Nov. 7 at the LBCC Liberal Arts College (4901 E. Carson St.) in Lot M. Both events will run from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Community members will be able to drive up to each site to have their vehicle filled with up to 10 sandbags with the assistance of City staff.

Sandbags can help reduce water intrusion, but they will not eliminate flood risk entirely. Community members are strongly advised to obtain and place sandbags around their homes before storms arrive and conditions become hazardous.

Empty sandbags are also available for Long Beach residents at all Long Beach Fire Department neighborhood Fire Stations. Residents are encouraged to bring their own shovel or other tools to fill sandbags.

Current sandbag distribution locations:

• Fire Station 7 - 2295 Elm St.
• Fire Station 12 - 1199 E. Artesia Blvd.
• Fire Station 13 - 2475 Adriatic Ave.
• Fire Station 14 - 5200 E. Eliot St.

"Our City teams are preparing infrastructure, equipment and personnel for the winter storm season, and community preparedness is an essential part of that work," said City Manager Tom Modica. "We encourage residents throughout Long Beach to use these distribution events to get sandbags before they are needed. Taking steps now to protect your property, gather emergency supplies and plan for your household's needs will help our community respond safely when severe weather arrives."

Flooding risks during winter storms will likely extend beyond the coast to low-lying and flood-prone areas throughout Long Beach, making preparedness important for residents citywide. Obtaining sandbags fortifying property, assembling emergency supplies, planning for potential evacuation and signing up for emergency alerts can help residents reduce risks and support the safety of their households and neighborhoods.

The City encourages all community members to take the following steps before the next storm:

Stay Informed

• Visit longbeach.gov/emergency to find information about current storms, resources and more.
• Sign up for Alert Long Beach to receive emergency notifications and important information from the City. Residents should ensure their contact information and address are current so they can receive notifications via email, text or phone that may affect their area.
• Follow the City's official social media channels for storm safety information and updates.
• Other emergency preparedness resources are available on the City's Department of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Communications website.

Protect Your Home and Property
Residents should take steps to reduce the potential for storm-related damage, including:

• Cleaning gutters and removing leaves and debris from drainage areas.
• Making sure water can flow away from the home and that drainage pathways are clear.
• Inspecting roofs for damaged or missing shingles, tiles or other potential leak sources.
• Securing or bringing indoors loose outdoor furniture, decorations, equipment, trash cans, and other items that could become hazardous during strong winds.
• Checking areas around the property that may be vulnerable to flooding or water intrusion.

About the City Manager's Proclamation of Local Emergency
On Sept. 22, the City Council ratified the City Manager's Proclamation of Local Emergency to help the City expand preparedness measures and exercise emergency powers. The action will help the City respond to severe winter weather, protect residents and critical infrastructure and respond efficiently if storms cause flooding, coastal impacts, landslides or other local emergencies. Find out more here.

About the City of Long Beach
Long Beach is nestled along the Southern California coast and home to approximately 466,000 people. As an award-winning full-service charter city, Long Beach offers the amenities of a metropolitan city while maintaining a strong sense of individual and diverse neighborhoods, culture, and community. With a bustling downtown and over six miles of scenic beaches, Long Beach is a renowned tourist and business destination and home to the iconic Queen Mary, nationally recognized Aquarium of the Pacific and Long Beach Airport, the award-winning Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center and world-class Port of Long Beach.

For more information about the City of Long Beach, visit longbeach.gov/. Follow us on social to keep up with the latest news: Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube.

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