Sandbags available across the county

Emergency supplies to protect property from flooding are available at fire stations through the county, Wahkiakum’s Department of Emergency Management Coordinator Beau Renfro said.

Renfro has both sand and sand bags available, but residents must bring their own shovels.

“Those have disappeared too quickly in the past,” Renfro said.

“The use of sand bags is a centuries old tried and true method of flood fighting,” according to the US Corps of Engineers Northwestern Division brochure available at the sites.

The brochure contains strategies to protect property and instructions on how to safely fill sand bags. Filling bags is a two or three person operation, with one person holding the bag, a second filling and a third placing them where needed. The tasks should be rotated to prevent strain.

Sand bag stations are located at the Puget Island Fire Department, 475 State Route 409, Cathlamet, Skamokawa Fire Department, East Valley Road, Skamokawa, Grays River Fire Department, 4631 State Route 4 West, Rosburg, District 4 Fire Department, 703 Elochoman Valley Rd, Cathlamet.

The sandbags are self-service and are available now. Renfro keeps an eye on supplies at each of the stations.

For more information see the Wahkiakum County Department of Emergency Management website. http://www.co.wahkiakum.wa.us/depts/sheriff/DepartmentofEmergencyManagement.htm or call coordinator Beau Renfro at 795-3242 or 465-2202, or email him at renfrob@co.wahkiakum.wa.us.