Free sandbags in Washoe County, NV
Where to get sandbags, how to get official alerts, and how to check your own address before the next storm.
Where to get free sandbags in Washoe County, NV
Free self-fill sand and sandbags at sites across Washoe County, Reno and Sparks (last verified July 2026); bring your own shovel. Examples: Washoe County Operations Yard, 3101 Longley Lane; City of Reno Corporation Yard, 1640 E. Commercial Row; Sparks Cottonwood Park, 777 Spice Island Dr. Questions: Washoe311 (775-328-2003), Reno Direct (775-334-4636) or Sparks (775-353-2300).
- Truckee River Flood Management Authority: free sandbag locationstrfma.org
- Washoe County: sandbag locations restockedwashoelife.washoecounty.gov
Checked against official sources on October 24, 2026.
Free storm alerts for Washoe County
When the National Weather Service issues a flood, fire, wind or hurricane warning for Washoe County, we email you right away with what to do. We also give you a heads-up a day ahead when NOAA forecasts severe storms or flash-flooding rain.
Want alerts for your exact street instead? Check your address and sign up there.
Flood maps for Washoe County
1,841 FEMA flood-zone areas mapped across 239 map panels.
MyStormPlan hosts FEMA's flood map data for Washoe County (FEMA data as of May 17, 2026), so you can see the exact zone at your front door in seconds. You'll also see wildfire, earthquake and other hazard layers for your address.
Get official emergency alerts
Washoe County's official alert system is Washoe County regional emergency alerts. It's free and sends warnings to your phone when a storm, fire or evacuation affects your area.
Before the storm: a quick checklist
- Pick up sandbags early. Supplies run out once a storm is in the forecast.
- Fill bags about halfway and lay them flat, overlapping like bricks, at doorways and the garage door.
- Clear gutters, downspouts and the storm drain in front of your house.
- Move valuables, papers and electronics off the floor.
- Take photos or a video of your rooms and belongings for insurance.
- Never walk or drive through floodwater. Turn around, don't drown.
Questions people ask
Where can I get free sandbags in Washoe County, NV?
Free self-fill sand and sandbags at sites across Washoe County, Reno and Sparks (last verified July 2026); bring your own shovel. Examples: Washoe County Operations Yard, 3101 Longley Lane; City of Reno Corporation Yard, 1640 E. Commercial Row; Sparks Cottonwood Park, 777 Spice Island Dr. Questions: Washoe311 (775-328-2003), Reno Direct (775-334-4636) or Sparks (775-353-2300).
How do I get emergency alerts in Washoe County, NV?
Sign up for Washoe County regional emergency alerts, which is free, and turn on Wireless Emergency Alerts on your phone.
How do I know if my home is in a flood zone in Washoe County, NV?
Enter your address at mystormplan.com/check to see your FEMA flood zone and other hazards for your exact property, free.
How many sandbags do I need?
A common rule of thumb is about 100 bags to build a wall 1 foot high and 20 feet long. Most homes use sandbags to steer water away from doorways and garage doors. Fill bags only about halfway so they lie flat and tight.