POLK COUNTY, Fla. – Polk County is providing residents with free sandbags today, August 3, from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at multiple locations throughout the county to prepare for potential flooding. Each household address will receive a maximum of 10 sandbags upon presentation of a driver’s license.
Sandbag Locations:
- Mulberry/South Lakeland: Loyce E. Harpe Park, 500 W. Carter Road
- Lakeland: 8970 N. Campbell Road
- Fort Meade: 1061 NE 9th St.
- Frostproof: 350 County Road 630A
- Auburndale: 1701 Holt Road
- Dundee: 805 Dr. Martin Luther King St. SW
- Poinciana Park: 5109 Allegany Road, Kissimmee 34759
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Residents in flood-prone areas are strongly encouraged to utilize these resources. Effective sandbagging techniques include:
- Digging a Ditch: If not on concrete, create a shallow ditch slightly below ground level to place the first row of sandbags. This allows for optional sump pumps to remove water from the protected area.
- Layering Sandbags and Visqueen: Alternate layers of sandbags and visqueen (plastic sheeting) in an “S” pattern to create a barrier.
While this won’t completely prevent water intrusion, it can significantly reduce damage and allow for quick water removal using sump pumps.
For more information and updates, residents are encouraged to visit the Polk County website or follow their social media channels.
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