With major storm systems bringing heavy rain and high winds to the Puget Sound region this weekend, King County Flood Control District Chair Reagan Dunn is urging residents living near flood prone streams or creeks to take advantage of the King County Sandbag Program.

“The King County Flood Control District recently provided four new sandbag locations which are available to King County residents free of charge,” Dunn said. “Those looking to protect their family and property from local flood events should take advantage of this great resource.”

“When properly installed, a sandbag barrier can mean the difference between keeping homes, garages and other structures safe and dry, or suffering thousands of dollars’ worth of damage,” said Steve Bleifuhs, King County River and Floodplain Manager.

Sandbags serve as a barrier to divert moving water, which can prevent or reduce flood water.

In 2009, the King County Council passed legislation to create locations for the stockpiling and distribution of sand and sandbags. The locations are the result of partnerships with local towns and cities that already offer sandbags to their residents. Funding for the sandbag program is provided by the King County Flood Control District and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Local sandbag distribution locations: Available to all King County Residents

• Black Diamond: King County Roads Facility, 20827 SE Auburn Black Diamond Road, Black Diamond, Open 24/7 Self-service, limited to 25 sandbag per vehicle.

• Kent: City of Kent, Russell Road Park between Russell Road and S 240th St., Kent, NE corner of parking lot, Sandbags and sand are currently available. Self-service. Bring your own shovel.

• Renton: King County Roads Facility, 155 Monroe Ave NE, Renton, Open 24/7 Self-service, limited to 25 sandbag per vehicle.

• Seattle: Delridge Community Center, 4501 Delridge Way SW, Seattle, South Park Neighborhood, 731 S Sullivan Seattle, Helene Madison Pool, 13401 Meridian N Seattle, Meadowbrook Community Center 10517 35th Ave NE Seattle, Currently unavailable at Delridge Community Center. Currently available at other locations. Limited to 25 sandbags per address.