Free Sandbag Filling Station Available to Residents

Each winter, the arrival of heavy rain, snow, and/or ice have potential to cause localized flooding within Wilsonville neighborhoods. 

To help residents protect homes and property, a free sandbag station is available to  residents.  Wilsonville’s sandbag station is located in front of the Memorial Park maintenance yard (7930 W Memorial Dr.), near the parking lot serving Murase Plaza Playground.

Sandbags provide a temporary barrier to redirect rising water away from homes, reinforce structures, or stabilize areas that have been affected by flooding. 

Residents using the sandbag station should bring their own shovel. Working in pairs is recommended; one person holds the bag, the other shovels.

Tips for Filling Sandbags

• Wear gloves and safety glasses to protect hands and eyes.
• Place bag between or slightly in front of spread feet with knees slightly bent.
• Fold the bag’s opening to form a collar and hold it open.
• Shovel carefully – a rounded shovel is best to avoid spilling.
• Fill bags no more than about half full, so they’re easier to stack and not too heavy.

When placing the sandbags, it is generally recommended that they be stacked three layers high. If more than three layers are required, a pyramid shape can be built by alternating sandbags crosswise and lengthwise as you stack.

Debris should be cleared before sandbags are placed. Bags should be placed lengthwise, parallel to the water flow, with the open end facing upstream. The open end should be folded into a triangle (or flare tied), and tucked beneath the bag’s weight. Offset each row by half a bag length and stamp down on bags to remove gaps.

For more tips, resources, and information on emergency preparedness, visit WilsonvilleReady.com.