EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — After last week’s heavy rain left water in yards, garages and near the doors of some El Paso homes, residents are picking up free sandbags ahead of more possible rain this week.

At El Paso Water’s Stormwater Operations Center in Northeast El Paso, residents loaded up on sandbags Sunday.

Some were preparing their own homes, while others were picking up bags for older relatives and neighbors.

Jesus Meza said his backyard remained flooded for a week after last week’s storms, with water getting close to his back door.

“I did have to use other precautions besides the sandbags, whatever I had at home,” Meza said.

Meza said he used fertilizer bags and trash bags to help keep water away from his door.

This time, he said, he is getting sandbags before more rain arrives.

Another resident, Jay Gandara, said he and his wife picked up the 10-bag limit for his mother-in-law after water reached her back door.

“The water was right up to her door,” he said. “So it was just a matter of minutes before the water could get into the house. She really was concerned.”

El Paso Water encourages residents in flood-prone areas to keep sandbags on hand before heavy rain begins.

Sandbags are free for residential flood-control use, with a limit of 10 bags per visit.

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Customers must show a Texas ID or an El Paso Water bill.

The utility says each bag weighs about 40 to 50 pounds and recommends bringing someone who can help load and unload them.

Marty Thompson said last week’s rain moved rocks and a tree on his patio, prompting his family to prepare.

“We’re kind of scared if we get more water,” Thompson said.

Carlos Aguila shares that residents should take precautions before rain arrives.

“We’ve got to let it run its course, but be prepared to help ourselves when it runs its course,” Aguila said.

Sandbags are available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. through Oct. 4 at these locations:

Stormwater Operations Center: 4801 Fred Wilson Ave.

Artcraft Booster Station: 7830 Paseo del Norte

Blackie Chesher Park: 9292 Escobar Drive

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