Inland Empire Prepares for the Storms

Redlands residents heed warnings from news reports about the oncoming storms and are making preparations. Redlands firefighters are distributing sand bags to residents and businesses in anticipation of storms headed for the Southland this week. Redlands residents can pick up unfilled sandbags from Redlands Fire State #264 and fill the bags themselves with city-provided sand available at the vacant lot across the street. For most residents, it’s a simple act of 1, 2, 3, 4; pick up the bags, fill them with sand, tie the bags and put them in your car. However, for some residents, it’s not that simple. One resident just had a knee replacement and another resident was unable to lift more than 5 pounds due to her heart condition. That’s where our everyday heroes step in; Brandon Axelord, an 11th grader at Redlands East Valley High and his dad, Brad Axelord. Having already filled their sandbags, together they filled, tied, and carried to the car sandbags for the residents that couldn’t do it for themselves. Not the way most 11th graders would think of spending their vacation, but for Brandon, it’s just what being a resident of Redlands is about. For those whom Brandon and Brad Axelord helped, they couldn’t be more thankful that two ‘heroes’ came to their rescue.