Free sandbags in Highlands County, FL
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 Highlands County, FL
Highlands County offers sandbags only when heavy rain or a storm is expected, announced at highlandsfl.gov and on county social media. During Hurricane Milton (Oct 2024) it handed out empty bags, 10 per person, at the Road and Bridge offices in Sebring (4344 George Blvd), Avon Park (East Winthrop St) and Lake Placid (County Road 621), with sand piles nearby; bring a shovel and fill them yourself.
- Highlands County: storm updateshighlandsfl.gov
Checked against official sources on October 25, 2026.
Free storm alerts for Highlands County
When the National Weather Service issues a flood, fire, wind or hurricane warning for Highlands 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.
Flood maps for Highlands County
11,573 FEMA flood-zone areas mapped across 159 map panels.
MyStormPlan hosts FEMA's flood map data for Highlands County (FEMA data as of November 17, 2015), so you can see the exact zone at your front door in seconds. You'll also see wildfire, earthquake and other hazard layers for your address.
Get official emergency alerts
Highlands County's official alert system is Alert Highlands. 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 Highlands County, FL?
Highlands County offers sandbags only when heavy rain or a storm is expected, announced at highlandsfl.gov and on county social media. During Hurricane Milton (Oct 2024) it handed out empty bags, 10 per person, at the Road and Bridge offices in Sebring (4344 George Blvd), Avon Park (East Winthrop St) and Lake Placid (County Road 621), with sand piles nearby; bring a shovel and fill them yourself.
How do I get emergency alerts in Highlands County, FL?
Sign up for Alert Highlands, 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 Highlands County, FL?
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.
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