With the onset of the monsoon seasons in southern New Mexico, the Doña Ana County Fire and Emergency Services Department has authorized each of its 16 Volunteer Fire Districts to stock and distribute sandbags.
Because of limited availability, distribution will be limited to eight sandbags per residence or business. The sandbags allocated should be placed in doorways where there is a threat of water coming inside. Sandbags will not be issued to protect landscaping or to build water-diversion barricades.
Supplies at each station are limited and available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Individuals who want additional sandbags can purchase both bags and sand from most area hardware and home-improvement stores.
The National Weather Service reports that 2015 is likely to be much wetter than usual due to a strong El Niño pattern in the Pacific Ocean.
Information from Dona Ana County