Sandbagging

For an online demonstration of how to make your own sandbags, see the SES YouTube video.

What you will need:

• Empty sandbags
• Sand
• Plastic sheeting

You will also need string if you are transporting the sandbags.

Note. Not all hardware stores and landscape supply yards stock the items needed to make sandbags. You should check with your local stockist or refer to participating hardware and landscape supply businesses. This list of suppliers below will be updated from time to time. They may not have supplies in stock, so you should phone first and check.

• Use dry sand – not soil.
• Fill to two-thirds full so they are not too heavy to carry.
• Leave the top of the sandbag untied.
• If you need to transport sandbags, tie loosely then untie the sandbag again.

• In front of doorways, roller doors and brickwork vents.
• Over floor wastes and shower and bath drains to prevent backflow of grey water.
• Make sure you leave at least one doorway for your use. You should build a small sandbag wall away from the actual doorway.

• The number of sandbags you use depends on location and expected flood height. Usually two rows of sandbags are enough.
• Place a layer of plastic sheeting for the sandbags to be stacked on top. This acts as a water proofing covering.
• Lay sandbags like brickwork on top of plastic sheeting – generally to two sandbag rows high.
• Start at one end and work to the other end.
• Make sure the untied end of the sandbag is covered by the next sandbag.
• At the end of the row, tuck the untied end under the last sandbag.
• Stagger rows so that the joins do not line up.

Store sandbags in a dry place out of the weather. They can rot if they get wet or damp.

• Sandbags need to be thrown away once they’ve been exposed to floodwaters.
• Never re-use them.
• Take care when moving used sandbags. You should wear sturdy gloves. They bags will be heavy and may contain contaminants from flood water.