An old-school tool is still being used all around the world in flood-prone areas to prevent water surges. It’s called a sandbag, and people who live in these areas, such as Florida, are sure to have seen — and possibly even used — them before.
The Property Advocates, P.A. is a full-service Florida insurance law firm specializing in property insurance claims, explains that there are many reasons why sandbags are still frequently used when inclement weather conditions such as hurricanes and storm surges are predicted to cause flooding. Not only are they inexpensive, but they are also extremely easy to use and easy to construct.
Sandbags aren’t completely water-tight, of course, but they are extremely effective at diverting water around whatever structure they are put in front of. As long as the sandbags are constructed and used properly, they will be effective at doing what they are intended to do.
Below is a description of where to get sandbags and how to build a sandbag wall.
Who Should Use Sandbags, and Where Can They Be Found?
People living in low-lying areas can use sandbags to divert water from entering their homes or businesses.
In some areas of South Florida, sandbags can be picked up from local hardware chains such as Lowe’s and Home Depot. Some local towns are also making them available for pickup at their town hall.
If people need to find where sandbags would be available, The Property Advocates suggests searching municipal and county websites first to see if they are giving them away to residents. Otherwise, people can search their local Home Depot or Lowe’s website to check their inventory.
How to Make Homemade Sandbags
Another option is for people to make homemade sandbags. The process is relatively simple but needs to be followed precisely to ensure it works properly.
The materials needed are burlap bags that are roughly 14×26 inches. The bag will then be filled with sand and will weigh anywhere from 30 to 45 pounds when filled completely.
According to The Property Advocates, it’s important to not fill the bag too much. The sandbag should be filled between one-half and two-thirds of the way full and then tied near the top.
How to Construct a Sandbag Wall
Once all the necessary bags are filled, they need to be stacked on a sandbag wall. Sandbags need to be laid flat, so it’s important to build the wall on even ground.
The sandbags should be placed in the direction of the flow of the water, with the bag’s open end folded underneath the rest of the bag. After placing the sandbags down, flatten them by stepping on them to create a seal that eliminates as many gaps as possible. It’s also important to lay the sandbags in a brick-like pattern, with one overlapping another below it.
The sandbag wall should be built three times as wide as it is high and in a pyramid shape if it’s wider than four bags.
As observed by The Property Advocates team, preparing and creating a proper sandbag wall is a smart way for people to protect their homes and businesses from floodwaters. So, before the next forecasted flood event, it’s important to conduct the proper preparation.
About The Property Advocates
The Property Advocates, P.A. is a full-service Florida insurance law firm specializing in property insurance claims. With offices in Miami, Orlando, and Tampa, The Property Advocates team consists of nearly 25 experienced attorneys with decades of combined experience who are compassionate, knowledgeable, and not afraid to go to trial for their clients. They have a successful track record of resolving complicated property insurance claims and getting their clients the fair compensation they deserve.
