Vista is handing out free sandbags. There's one catch: they're empty.

City residents can pick up as many as 10 bags per household, but they'll have to find the sand and fill them. If you've ever tried keeping water out of a garage during heavy rain, you can see why people would want them anyway.

There are weekday pickups at Public Works and three Saturday Fire Rescue distributions. The first is October 24.

Where to Pick Up Free Sandbags

Public Works is at 1165 E. Taylor Street, Building A. The city lists regular hours of 6 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

There's a Friday wrinkle. Public Works closes every other Friday, so call 760-639-6177 before making the trip on a Friday.

Bring photo ID showing you live within Vista city limits. A Vista mailing address by itself doesn't necessarily qualify.

The bags are unfilled. You'll need to get sand from a home center or building supply store.

Three Upcoming Fire Rescue Open Houses

The city has three Saturday pickups scheduled, all from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.:

October 24 — Fire Station 4, 2121 Thibodo Road.

October 31 — Fire Station 5, 2009 S. Melrose Drive.

November 7 — Fire Station 6, 651 E. Vista Way.

Bags are first come, first served while supplies last. If you miss one Saturday, there are other dates on the calendar.

A City Boundary Makes a Difference

Here's something easy to miss: living in the Vista area doesn't automatically make you a City of Vista resident.

If you're in unincorporated Vista, the city directs you to San Diego County's separate sandbag program. Check which side of the boundary you're on before heading to a pickup.

What to Do Before the Rain

The bags are free. The sand, filling and lifting are on you.

Why not use a regular garbage bag? Trash bags can stretch or split under the weight. Woven sandbags are made for the job and stack more securely. They can slow or redirect shallow water, but they're not waterproof walls.

Place filled bags where runoff might reach a doorway or garage. Clear leaves from drainage paths if it's safe, and don't push water toward a neighbor's property.

If water is already moving fast, leave it alone. That's not the time to be rearranging sandbags.

Questions Vista Residents May Have

Are the sandbags free?

Yes. Vista residents can get up to 10 empty bags per household, subject to availability.

Where is the weekday pickup location?

Public Works, 1165 E. Taylor Street, Building A. Check Friday hours before visiting.

Do the sandbags come filled?

No. Residents must get sand separately.

Can unincorporated Vista residents use this program?

The city directs those residents to San Diego County's sandbag resources.