For San Diegans who go to any county firehouse and find they're out of sandbags, there are some alternatives.
One example of a sandbag alternative is Quick Dam, which offers flood bags and the larger flood barriers.
"The bag has crystals inside. When touched by water, it turns into a gel," said Sean Walsh of Professional Contractor Supply.
Walsh said the sand-less bags are becoming hot sellers.
"The water is repelled away. They are sealed to the ground better than a sandbag," said Walsh.
Walsh said Quick Dams are extremely durable and won't fall apart if dropped. The product can last six to eight months, while many sandbags may fall apart within days or weeks.
"They don't do well in saltwater, but other than that, they are great. Sandbags are hard to dispose of. With these, you can slice it open and let the crystals evaporate. It's a 100 percent green product," said Walsh.
A pack of two costs about $11. The sand-less bags are available at most major home improvement stores and Amazon.com.
