Sandbag Locations And Hail Safety Tips
EL PASO — Officials with El Paso Water Utililties want to remind residents that sandbags are no longer available at local fire stations.
The following are the locations were El Paso residents can pick up sandbags:
Central El Paso – Storm water Operations Center (410 S. Cotton)
West El Paso- 120 Kappa (near Keystone Heritage Park)
Northeast El Paso- Nations Tobin Park (8831 Railroad)
East El Paso- Album Park (Wedgewood & Lockerbie)
Mission Valley – Blackie Chesher Park (9144 Escobar)
Officials with the El Paso Fire Department have provided some tips to help residents stay safe during severe hail storms.
1. In an automobile: Stop driving. If you can see a safe place close-by to drive to, such as theinside of a garage or a service station awning, do so as soon as you can.
Make sure you pull completely off the highway. Do not stop under bridges or overpasses and do not leave the vehicle until it stops hailing. Your car will furnish reasonable protection but you should stay away from car windows.
Cover your eyes with a piece of clothing. If possible,lay down onthe floor face down, or lay down on the seat with your back to the windows. Place small children under you and cover their eyes.
2. In a building: Seek shelter immediately in a sturdy building and stay inside until the hail stops. Stay away from skylights and windows, especially windows that are being struck by hail. Account for all family members, building occupants, pets, etc. Do not go outside for any reason.
Large hail can cause serious or fatal injuries. Avoid using phones and electrical appliances during a severe storm to avoid the danger of electrocution from lightning.
3. Outdoors: If you are caught outdoors, seek shelter immediately. If you can’t find something to protect your entire body, at least find something to protect your head. Stay out of culverts and lowland areas that might fill suddenly with water. Trees shold be seen as alast resort to seek safety. According to officials,it is common during severe storms for trees to lose branches and large isolated trees attract lightning.
