MARYSVILLE — The city of Marysville provides free sand and bags for residents to make their own sandbags to be better prepared during severe rain and potential flood conditions.

Sand and bags are available to pick up at the Public Works Building at 80 Columbia Ave. in downtown Marysville during its regular business hours from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Residents should bring a shovel to fill the bags themselves, according to city Streets and Surface Water Manager Charlie Burke. Please use standard health and safety precautions when filling and lifting bags for transport, and when placing them to divert storm and debris flows away from your home or property.

Sandbags are primarily used for low-flow protection of up to two feet. Public Works officials explained that protection from higher flows requires a more permanent type of structure.

For more information, contact Public Works at 360-363-8100.