Sandbag instructions
Sandbags are a simple yet effective way to prevent or reduce flood water damage. They can act as a barrier to divert moving water around buildings. Preparing for storms should be done before the storm arrives. Plan out where you will need sandbags to get an idea of how many you will need. Sandbags are available in limited quantities from most fire stations. Generally, you can reuse filled sandbags throughout the rainy season. Below are a few helpful tips for filling and placing sandbags.
When using sandbags to prevent water from entering your home or business, it's important to place them lengthwise/parallel to the expected water flow, fold the open end under the filled portion, and place sandbags end-to-end, then flatten each row with your foot to create a tight seal.
Here are the steps to properly fill and place sandbags:
Filling Sandbags:
• Fill the bags between one-third (1/3) to one-half (1/2) of their capacity to keep them from getting too heavy
• Use sand or sandy soil as the filling material
• Sandbags should not be filled with materials that could damage them, like sharp mulch or rocks
Placing Sandbags:
• Sandbags should also be used in front of doorways, garage doors, and roller doors
• Tuck the top flap under each sandbag and at the end of the row, and flatten the top of the sandbag wall before adding the next row
• Rows that are more than three layers tall can become unstable and may fall over
When stacking and placing sandbags, it's essential to consider safety to prevent injuries. Here are some tips for preventing injuries:
• Wear work gloves to protect your hands
• Use goggles to prevent sand blowing into your eyes
• Filling and placing sandbags is best done with two or more people
By following these guidelines, residents and businesses can effectively use sandbags to protect their properties from flooding and minimize water damage. If water continues to rise or is moving swiftly you should consider evacuating until the water subsides. If you cannot leave your property safely and feel you are in danger you should call 9-1-1.