To help prepare for the upcoming flood season, many residents want to know where they can access sandbags to protect their homes and property. The Whatcom County Public Works Department has received several requests for sand and sandbag materials, and we’d like to take this opportunity to clarify how and when we make these supplies available.

Before a Declared Emergency

Whatcom County Public Works does not provide sandbags until a flood event becomes a declared emergency. Until that time, residents are responsible for procuring their own materials. Our River & Flood Division maintains a list of private companies where sandbag materials are available for purchase. This list includes local hardware stores, building supply stores, etc.

Click here to view the list of local sandbag resources.

After a Declared Emergency

Once a flood event becomes a declared emergency, Whatcom County Public Works Maintenance & Operations Division will make sand and sandbags available to residents at the Central Shop on W. Smith Road in Bellingham and at designated outlying facilities. Sandbag materials will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis, at no charge, based on available resources. Note: sandbags do not come pre-filled with sand.

Visit our website to learn more about what Whatcom County is doing for flood prevention and other measures you can take now to be prepared and safe. View the River & Flood website at www.whatcomcounty.us/flood.