If It Floods: Where To Get Sand Bags

The rain is expected to come down today and it's expected to return every day until at least Sunday.

Five days of rain means not only drenched lawns but also the possibility of flooding in Martinez.

In anticipation, city officials have already set up self-serve locations for residents to fill their own sand bags.

There are two locations where residents can pick up empty sand bags. They are in front of City Hall and at the city's corporation yard at 300 Alhambra Avenue.

There are five locations where Martinez residents can take those bags and shovel in their own sand. They are Nancy Boyd Park, F Street off Alhambra Avenue, Ferry and Allen streets, Rankin Park and Highland Avenue Park.

Bob Cellini, public works superintendent, said there is a distinct possibility of flooding in town on Saturday, depending on the amount of rainfall and the tides.

He noted the primary regions for flooding are Marina Vista and streets such as Main Street and Escobar Street downtown.

Cellini said residents and business owners, however, are well educated on the risks of flooding, so they are usually prepared when rainstorms do arrive.

"They know that preparation is the best prevention," he said.

In recent years, the city has taken measure to reduce the possibility of flooding. Among the measures is the clean-up and widening of Alhambra Creek as well as the cleaning of storm drains.

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