Sandbags

SANDBAGS

 Sandbags, when properly filled and placed, will redirect storm and debris flows away from property improvements.

FILLING

  1. Fill sandbags one-half full.  Sand is suggested if readily available; however, sand is not mandatory, any local soil may be used. 
  2. For a more durable bag with increased    effective life, mix 10 parts of sand or soil with 1 part of cement.  The    materials can be mixed and placed dry.  After all bags are in place, a    light sprinkling of water is recommended.  This technique is only    effective with burlap sandbags and will not work with plastic sandbags.    

PLACING

Fold top of sandbag down and rest bag on its folded top (Fig 4).

 It is important to place bags with the folded top toward the upstream or uphill direction to prevent bags from opening when water runs by them.

Care should be taken to stack sandbags in accordance with the illustrations.  Place each sandbag as shown, completing each layer prior to starting the next layer.  Limit placement to two layers unless a building is used as a backing or sandbags are pyramided (Figs.

Fig.5 SANDBAG STACKING AGAINST BUILDINGS
Fig.6 PYRAMID SANDBAG STACKING
Fig.7 DIRECTING DEBRIS AWAY FROM BUILDINGS
Fig. 8 CONTROLLING DEBRIS OR STORM FLOWS IN STREETS
Fig. 9 DIRECTING FLOWS BETWEEN BUILDINGS
Fig.10 BUILDING PROTECTION
Fig.11 SLIDING GLASS DOOR SEALING

LIMITATIONS

  1. Sandbags will not seal out water.    
  2. Sand and soil filled burlap sandbags    deteriorate when exposed for several months to continued wetting and    drying.  If bags are placed too early, they may not be effective when    needed.    
  3. Sandbags are basically for low-flow    protection (up to 2 feet).  Protection from higher flows require a more    permanent type of structure.    

CAUTION

 Do not use straw or bales of hay in lieu of sandbags.  They do not perform as well as sandbags and may be washed away.