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How to fill and stack sandbags
Flood Fighting: How to Use Sandbags: A detailed guide from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
This document explains how many sandbags you might need and how to fill them, as well as techniques for building a solid wall of sandbags.
Remember, sandbags do not block all water. They can act as a barrier to divert moving water and prevent or reduce flood water. Proper assembly and placement are critical to success in using sandbags as a flood fighting tool.
Sandbag distribution locations
Sandbags at these locations are available for free for all King County residents. Sandbag distribution information is also recorded on the King County Flood Warning Information Line: 206-296-8200 or 800-945-9263.
Each sandbag distribution location may have different hours of availability and limits to the amount of sandbag materials you can take. Read the chart to learn whether the location nearest you has special rules or if you need to bring your own shovel to scoop sand into the bags.
| Location | Distribution site address | Availability | Additional information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black Diamond |
King County Roads Facility |
Open seven days a week, 24 hours a day | Empty sandbags and sand. Self service, limited to 25 sandbags per vehicle. Bring your own shovel. |
| Carnation |
City of Carnation Public Works |
Monday through Friday, 7:00 am to 3:30 pm |
Empty sandbags and sand. Self service, limited to 25 sandbags per vehicle. Bring your own shovel. |
| Fall City |
King County Roads Facility |
Open seven days a week, 24 hours a day |
Empty sandbags and sand. Self service, limited to 25 sandbags per vehicle. Bring your own shovel. |
| North Bend |
City of North Bend City Hall |
Monday through Thrusday, 8:30 am to 4:00 pm Friday, 8:00 am to 12:00 pm |
Empty sandbags and sand. Self-service, shovels available. Please check in at City Hall or the Public Works Shop with a staff member first. Sandbags also available after hours when the Emergency Operations Center is open due to flooding. |
| Pacific |
City of Pacific |
Open seven days a week, 24 hours a day |
Empty sandbags and sand. Self service, limited to 25 sandbags per vehicle. Bring your own shovel. |
| Redmond |
Marymoor Park 6046 W Lake Sammamish Pkwy NE, Parking lot G, Redmond, WA 98052 |
Monday through Friday, 7:00 am to 4:00 pm |
Empty sandbags and sand. Self service, limited to 25 sandbags per vehicle. Located adjacent to Parking Lot G. Drive through open gate into the landscape materials area east of parking lot. Sandbag supplies are located on the south end of the ecology blocks. Bring your own shovel. |
| Renton |
King County Roads Facility |
Open seven days a week, 24 hours a day |
Along Jefferson Ave NE adjacent to Renton Transfer Station. Empty sandbags and sand. Self service, limited to 25 sandbags per vehicle. Bring your own shovel. |
| Seattle |
Helene Madison Pool |
Open seven days a week, 24 hours a day |
Sandbags available October 15th - March 15th. Limited to 25 per household or business. |
| Seattle |
Meadowbrook Community Center |
Open seven days a week, 24 hours a day | Sandbags available October 15th - March 15th. Limited to 25 per household or business. |
| Seattle |
South Park Neighborhood |
Open seven days a week, 24 hours a day |
Sandbags available October 15th - March 15th. Limited to 25 per household or business. |
| Skykomish |
King County Roads Facility |
Open seven days a week, 24 hours a day |
Self service, limited to 25 sandbag per vehicle. Bring your own shovel. |
| Snoqualmie |
City of Snoqualmie |
Monday through Friday, 7:00 am to 3:00 pm. 24 hours a day during flood conditions. | Empty sandbags and sand provided, bring your shovel. For more information call: Snoqualmie Public Works 425-831-4919, during emergency conditions: Emergency Operations Center 425-888-5911. |
| Vashon Island |
Vashon Island Fire and Rescue property operated by King County Roads |
Open seven days a week, 24 hours a day | Self-service, limited to 25 sandbag per vehicle. Bring your own shovel. |
The City of Issaquah provides sandbags to residents of Issaquah. Check with your jurisdiction for sandbag availability. Sandbags can also be purchased at many home improvement stores.
After a flood, you are responsible for removing sandbags on your property. Your city or neighborhood may have rules about how to remove and dispose of sandbags. It is important to follow your local rules about sandbag disposal to protect the environment. Information on how to dispose of both clean and contaminated sand can be found on the King County Solid Waste Division website.