At its October 26, 2022 meeting, the City Commission approved a referral to the Public Safety and Quality of Life Committee to discuss the availability of sandbags during inclement weather.

The purpose of the discussion, as referenced on the referral memo, is to provide clarity on public sandbag distribution policies.  In the days leading up to Hurricane Ian (for example), many residents reached out to sponsoring Commissioner Rosen González, asking for sandbags, since at the time, the City was not distributing any.

The City is willing to provide sandbags to the public, however, it is important to note that not every weather condition warrants the distribution of sandbags. Sandbag distribution depends on the confirmed path of the extreme weather event, and the severity of the projected flooding.

Whenever there is an extreme weather event forecasted to impact the South Florida Region, the Division of Emergency Management (DEM) begins monitoring the oceanic and atmospheric conditions via the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).  DEM provides specific updates to the Department of Public Works and Facilities and Fleet Management on the forecasted track of the severe weather event.

Upon confirmation by DEM of a potential threat to the South Florida Region, the City takes appropriate steps to mitigate impacts from the severe weather event to its residents. One of the items that the City's Facilities and Fleet Management and Public Works Departments plan for is the distribution of sandbags.  Sand is purchased via authorized vendors and the sand is bagged in-house. The sandbags are distributed to residents at no cost, 24-48 hours prior to the anticipated weather event. Distribution is limited to four bags per household until the bags run out. Proof of residency is required. 

It is important to note that the distribution of sandbags requires significant manpower and depending on the severity of the storm and the timing, the City's Facilities and Fleet Management and Public Works Departments may or may not be able to distribute these sandbags. If time is of the essence and the City declares the event an emergency (typically 24-36 hours prior to the event), staff's primary effort would be to focus on other storm preparation activities.

Whenever a sandbag is used for weather protection and becomes wet with any rainfall, it needs to be disposed of in an environmentally safe manner. A procedure strongly encouraged by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).