Cochise County encouraging use of sandbags this Monsoon

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Posted 5:49 PM 6/23/2012 : Cochise County encouraging use of sandbags this Monsoon

TUCSON-The Monsoon is here and Cochise County officials want people to be prepared especially those in the Eastern Cochise County area.

The area has seen its fair share of devastation.

Eastern Cochise County was directly affected by last year's Monument fire.

"The fire was right here," demonstrated Harold Brown.

Right after that devestation came Monsoon floods.

"The water was just, I mean it was just flooding down through here," said Brown.

Since the fire burned off much of the vegetation that would naturally slow the water flow down the canyon, the flooding danger is even higher now.

"The estimates are on a severe or moderate burn, you can get from 2 to 100 times the normal runoff," said Karen Riggs, engineer with Cochise County.

Riggs said even though it has been a year since that fire and residents have already gone through one season of flooding, the land still hasn't healed.

"We expect some pretty substantial flooding if we get good rains this summer," said Riggs.

Riggs said if sandbags are stacked properly, they can keep water from coming into your home.

Brown said he used sandbags last year during the Monsoon, and he will use them this year as well.

On Tuesday, June 26, sand and bags will be available at the following locations, so that you can make your own:

SANDBAG AVAILABILITY - COUNTY-WIDE
In preparation for the Monsoon season, Cochise County is making sandbags available at several key locations, convenient to people throughout the County.
Please note that we do not have the manpower to fill and load sandbags, but we are providing sandbags and sand to anyone in need. Shovels will also be available on site, but it is advisable to bring your own if possible.
Beginning June 26, 2012, sand and sandbags will be available at the following locations and will be replenished as needed:
From the hours of 7:00 am to 3:00 pm:
Bisbee Roadyard, 1229 Hereford Rd.
Douglas Roadyard, 3665 N. Leslie Canyon Rd.
Willcox Roadyard, 500 W. Railroad Avenue
Benson Roadyard, 901 E. 4th Street

Available any time:
Willow Lakes Subdivision, off of Ocotillo Road
Elfrida Fire Department, 10293 N. Central Highway
Portal Rescue, 1216 W. Portal Road
Whetstone Fire Department, 2422 N. Firehouse Ln., Huachuca City
Palominas Fire Station #3, 10202 S. Highway 92, Hereford
Cochise County Hereford Pit Material Yard: approximately .5 miles East of Y Lighting Road - This location will be available only while supplies last from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm, once material is depleted this location will be closed.

We are also cautioning citizens to be aware of flooding dangers and to follow cautionary advice from government agencies, weather services and other public information sources. Visit our Highway & Floodplain Dept. Main Page for more information and Public Safety announcements.
Do not cross flooded washes or go around barricades.
When approaching any work zone or barricade, please proceed with caution, abide by all posted speed limit signs and traffic control, and be alert for any dangerous or unusual conditions.
If you have questions concerning this announcement, please contact the Highway & Floodplain Office at 520-432-9300.