As a free way for Kirkland citizens and businesses to prepare for local flooding, two self-service sandbag filling stations are now open at the Public Works Maintenance Center parking lot at 915 8th Street and the city’s future Public Safety Building parking lot at 11831 120th Ave NE.

People who live and own a business in Kirkland and have experienced flooding, are encouraged to have the necessary supply of sandbags ready for use on their properties as a preparedness measure.

The sandbag filling stations are available now through April 30, 2013 and are accessible daily, 24 hours. The city provides the sand and bags at no cost to Kirkland citizens and businesses; however, citizens must bring their own shovels to fill the bags. The city asks for the “good faith” use of the supplies.

For questions or concerns, please call the Public Works Maintenance Center at 425-587-3900 or visit www.kirklandwa.gov.

Kirkland residents are encouraged to follow the safety tips below:

• Use proper lifting techniques when handling full sandbags.
• Fill bags 2/3 to 3/4 full and interlock when stacking.
• Plan ahead for appropriate bag placement. Do not create a problem for your neighbors.
• Place sandbags close to structures (within 3 to 5 feet) but do not place them along property lines or stream banks.
• Do not place bags or divert water onto a roadway or reroute a stream.
• Sandbags are provided for the protection of structures only. Do not attempt to divert waters from private property.
• Do not dump sand into the creek or on its banks.  Store your filled sandbags for future re-use.
• The City does not collect used sandbags or sand on private property.