Sandbags
- 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.
- 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.
- TIP: Flattening down the sandbag row before adding the next row will help you to build a better structure.
Where do I place the sandbags?
- Place a small sandbag wall across doorways. Generally around two (2) sandbag rows high.
- Have at least one doorway that you can use to access or exit the building by building a wall that allows the door to still be opened.
- Air vents between brickwork may need sandbags. Small vents may be covered with waterproof tape or plastic.
- Cover all drainage holes and floor drains to stop backflow of contaminated water.
- Protect air vents or drains with sandbags or tape. To avoid back flow of grey water block toilets with a small plastic bag of sand, weighed down by a larger sandbag.
What else can I do to protect my home or business?
- Raising valuables off the floor may prevent damage to personal items from floodwater that may still enter.
- Lifting of curtains, rugs and bedding, and removing items from low cupboards may be necessary.
- Turn off solar power, power and gas at the mains.
Disposing of used sandbags
- 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.
Images supplied by QLD Government SES
