Long Beach Opens Four Extra Sandbag Sites Ahead of Hurricane Rachel Coastal Flooding
LONG BEACH — Long Beach is a city in Los Angeles County, California. Ahead of coastal surf and flooding expected from Hurricane Rachel, the City of Long Beach on Thursday, October 8 opened four additional sandbag distribution sites. According to MyNewsLA, the new sites are at city Fire Stations 7, 12, 13 and 14 and at the Claremont Beach parking lot; residents can pick up to 10 sandbags per person with identification to protect homes and businesses.
City officials said low-lying areas along the Peninsula and the beachfront are prone to seawater overwash and street flooding when storm surge coincides with large surf, and sandbags are consistently the most requested protective supply during storms. Fire and public works staff advised residents to bring a shovel for faster self-filling, with some pre-filled bags prioritized for seniors at certain sites.
Emergency officials urged coastal residents to move vehicles to higher ground, secure yard items and follow city and National Weather Service updates. Drivers should never attempt to cross deeply flooded streets; emergencies go to 911, and general city assistance is available through Long Beach's service line. Site hours are posted in the city's announcement.
Long Beach emergency officials say sandbags work best filled about halfway and stacked at doorways, garage doors and low entry points, with plastic sheeting improving the seal; the city website carries a map of distribution sites and a video showing how to fill and place bags. In past storms, waterfront neighborhoods such as the Peninsula and Naples have taken the worst of the tides, and public works crews are assigned to clear mud and debris from those streets first after the system passes. Forecasters expect Hurricane Rachel's surf to affect the coast into the weekend, and the city also asked residents to secure trash bins and patio furniture against high winds. Distribution hours may change with conditions, so residents should check the city's announcement or call the municipal line before heading out.
Photo: Long Beach breakwater, archival photo, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain, U.S. National Archives
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 居民搬运沙袋防洪（FEMA档案照片），Wikimedia Commons，Public domain，Jocelyn Augustino / FEMA
