Chelan County residents can pick up free sandbags at county-owned public works maintenance shops to prepare for high runoff or snowmelt.

Sandbags are available to people living in both incorporated and unincorporated areas of the county. Residents should visit the maintenance district where they live weekdays from 7 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. to fill their bags.

When you arrive, look for the large sand pile in the yard. Be sure to bring your own shovels, gloves, and other equipment to fill the bags.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers offers these tips for stacking sandbags safely:

Use a single row where there’s no strong water flow or debris.

Fill bags halfway to two-thirds full, leave untied, fold the open end under, and face upstream.

Remove debris, fill low spots first, and place bags lengt

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