Free sandbags in La Plata County, CO
Where to get sandbags, how to get official alerts, and how to check your own address before the next storm.
Where to get free sandbags in La Plata County, CO
In October 2026 La Plata County offered free sand and sandbags to county residents, self-serve 24 hours a day, ahead of heavy rain. Sites: La Plata County Fairgrounds, north lot near the rodeo arena, 2500 Main Ave, Durango; Upper Pine River Fire Station 1, 75 South Clover Dr, and Station 4, 80 W Vallecito Creek Rd, Bayfield; Los Pinos Fire District Station 1, 275 Browning Ave, Ignacio; Fort Lewis Mesa Fire Station 1, 164 County Road 130, Hesperus. Shovels may not be provided, so bring your own.
- Durango Fire & Rescue: county sandbag sites (Oct 2026)facebook.com
- La Plata County: free sandbags notelpcgov.org
Checked against official sources on October 24, 2026.
Free storm alerts for La Plata County
When the National Weather Service issues a flood, fire, wind or hurricane warning for La Plata County, we email you right away with what to do. We also give you a heads-up a day ahead when NOAA forecasts severe storms or flash-flooding rain.
Want alerts for your exact street instead? Check your address and sign up there.
Is your home in a flood or fire zone?
Type your address and see your flood, wildfire, earthquake and other hazard risks on one map, free. No sign-up needed.
Get official emergency alerts
La Plata County's official alert system is LPC Alerts. It's free and sends warnings to your phone when a storm, fire or evacuation affects your area.
Before the storm: a quick checklist
- Pick up sandbags early. Supplies run out once a storm is in the forecast.
- Fill bags about halfway and lay them flat, overlapping like bricks, at doorways and the garage door.
- Clear gutters, downspouts and the storm drain in front of your house.
- Move valuables, papers and electronics off the floor.
- Take photos or a video of your rooms and belongings for insurance.
- Never walk or drive through floodwater. Turn around, don't drown.
Questions people ask
Where can I get free sandbags in La Plata County, CO?
In October 2026 La Plata County offered free sand and sandbags to county residents, self-serve 24 hours a day, ahead of heavy rain. Sites: La Plata County Fairgrounds, north lot near the rodeo arena, 2500 Main Ave, Durango; Upper Pine River Fire Station 1, 75 South Clover Dr, and Station 4, 80 W Vallecito Creek Rd, Bayfield; Los Pinos Fire District Station 1, 275 Browning Ave, Ignacio; Fort Lewis Mesa Fire Station 1, 164 County Road 130, Hesperus. Shovels may not be provided, so bring your own.
How do I get emergency alerts in La Plata County, CO?
Sign up for LPC Alerts, which is free, and turn on Wireless Emergency Alerts on your phone.
How do I know if my home is in a flood zone in La Plata County, CO?
Enter your address at mystormplan.com/check to see your FEMA flood zone and other hazards for your exact property, free.
How many sandbags do I need?
A common rule of thumb is about 100 bags to build a wall 1 foot high and 20 feet long. Most homes use sandbags to steer water away from doorways and garage doors. Fill bags only about halfway so they lie flat and tight.