Web site provides one-stop shopping for sandbag distribution sites in King County

A young volunteer takes a cocoa break from sandbagging.

With the simple click of a mouse, floodplain residents across King County can now learn where and when they can find sandbags to help them protect their home and property from serious flooding.

Learn where the county is providing sandbag materials or partnering with local cities to provide sandbags to the public free of charge before and during flood events by visiting www.kingcounty.gov/floodplans and clicking on “Sandbag distribution locations” on the right side menu. The site also provides information on operating hours.

King County determined an efficient way to provide sandbags to the public before and during a flood event is to partner with local cities that already offer sandbags to their residents. Per the terms of the partnership, participating cities must make supplies available to the residents of unincorporated King County in addition to the citizens residing within their jurisdictional boundaries. Local jurisdictions or community groups oversee sandbag distribution, and the King County Water and Land Resources Division (WLR) coordinates the delivery of materials.

When significant floods are expected, staff with King County’s Water and Land Resources Division will contact all partner cities or entities distributing sandbags to ensure sufficient sandbagging supplies are on hand. When a flood warning is issued and throughout the duration of a flood event, staff at the King County Flood Warning Center will confirm what sites are open and the operating hours of the sites, as well as determine whether any additional supplies are needed.

The Flood Warning Center will provide detailed information to the public regarding sandbag availability. The information will be disseminated through methods including calls to the Flood Warning Center, the flood warning voice messaging system, Web site postings, and press releases.

Sandbags, when used properly, can reduce damages from flooding. After a flood, property owners are responsible for removing sandbag installations in compliance with their local jurisdiction’s regulations. Please note that improper disposal of sandbags following a flood event can create environmental, safety and infrastructure concerns.

On March 9, 2009, the King County Council passed Ordinance 16379, which directed WLR to identify locations for the stockpiling and distribution of sand and sandbags. Funding for the sandbag program is provided by the King County Flood Control District with support from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

For more information about King County’s sandbag distribution program, please contact Jason Wilkinson at 206-263-0488.

Related information

Flooding services and information

Flood Warning System