# Does Alameda County Give Free Sandbags? | Who Pays the Repair?

> Alameda County gives free sandbags to unincorporated-area residents only, 5 per household, 24/7 at its yard gates once the first big storm is forecast.

**Who pays:** shared

Alameda County Public Works gives free sandbags to residents of unincorporated Alameda County only, up to 5 per household; bring a shovel.

**Boundary:** The Alameda County Public Works Agency has free sandbags for residents of unincorporated Alameda County only, limited to five per household. Sandbags are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week outside the corporation yard gates once the first major storm of the season is forecast. Bring your own shovel and a way to transport the bags.

**Exceptions:** Only residents of unincorporated Alameda County qualify.

## Sources
- [Prepare for Winter Storms](https://www.acpwa.org/prepare-for-winter-storms) — "The Alameda County Public Works Agency has free sandbags available for residents of the unincorporated Alameda County only." (accessed 2026-10-30)
- [Prepare for Winter Storms](https://www.acpwa.org/prepare-for-winter-storms) — "Sandbags are limited to five (5) per household." (accessed 2026-10-30)
- [Prepare for Winter Storms](https://www.acpwa.org/prepare-for-winter-storms) — "Please bring your own shovel and a way to transport bags." (accessed 2026-10-30)
- [Prepare for Winter Storms](https://www.acpwa.org/prepare-for-winter-storms) — "Sandbags are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week outside of the corporation yard gates at the locations below, and are made available upon forecast of the first major storm of the season." (accessed 2026-10-30)

_Last verified 2026-10-30. Source: Who Pays the Repair? — https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/alameda-county-ca-free-sandbags/ — every claim checked against a primary source before publication (see /methodology/)._