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— Events will take place on Thursday, July 24 and Saturday, July 26 —
Miami Beach, FL – The City of Miami Beach wants to help residents prepare for the Atlantic hurricane season with a modern take on the tried-and-true sandbag. This year, the city will be giving away bags that come prefilled with silica gel beads that expand when they are soaked in water.
Each Miami Beach resident can obtain up to four of the flat, lightweight bags with proof of residency via a government-issued identification or utility bill while supplies last. The bags will be available on Thursday, July 24 and Saturday, July 26 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the municipal parking lots at 2100 Collins Ave. and 225 79 St.
“Miami Beach remains committed to making flood preparedness accessible for everyone and equipping our residents with the tools they need to stay safe,” said Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner. “These bags are flat and easily portable until activated, allowing residents to store and deploy them with less physical strain.”
Prior to use, residents need only to spray the bags with water, or soak them in a bathtub or basin until fully saturated.
As a reminder, bags that have come in contact with floodwaters should not be stored for reuse. After use, or if packaging has become compromised, place bag and any spilled silica gel beads in a garbage bag for disposal. Do not dispose of silica gel beads in toilets, showers, or sinks. Never place sandbags or silica gel beads in storm drains, bodies of water or the beach. Prior to use, bags should be stored in a cool ventilated area.
The city’s “Flood Awareness and Safety Tips” brochure with also be distributed to residents during the bag distribution for helpful guidance on what to do before, during and after a flooding event. For more information on flood safety in Miami Beach, visit www.miamibeachfl.gov/flood-awareness.
To request this material in alternate format, sign language interpreter (five-day notice required), information on access for persons with disabilities, and/or any accommodation to review any document or participate in any city-sponsored proceedings, call 305.604.2ADA (2232) and select 1 for English or 2 for Spanish, then option 6; TTY users may call via 711 (Florida Relay Service).
