How to Construct Flood Barriers

If you live in an area that is prone to flooding you may want to consider purchasing permanent reusable flood barriers to protect your home and property from floods. You also can construct barriers before the next flood threat. Flood barriers will not prevent the water from entering your home but they will slow it down to give you more time to remove valuables.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Plywood
• Thick plastic sheeting
• Sandbags

1. Purchase the necessary supplies and keep them on hand so you will have them when needed. When threat of flood is imminent the stores might sell out of the materials you need.

2. Check the seals on all windows and doors of your home. If there are any cracks in the seals or the frames repair or replace them. Treat all wooden frames with waterproof stain or varnish.

3. Use 1/2-inch thick plywood or boards to cover each window and door.

4. Cover each board with thick polythene sheeting. Nail or staple it into place.

5. Stack sandbags in front of each of the plastic covered boards. Sandbags are made of water absorbent material. An alternative to sandbags are reusable flood bags that you fill with polymer and water.

Tips & Warnings

• If you live in a flood prone area, keep all electronics and valuables on the second floor of your home.
• The sand inside the sandbags may contain harmful bacteria and salt which can wash out and into your home. After the flood is over the sandbags may be even more harmful as they could contain pieces of sewage. Wear gloves when removing the sandbags after the flood ends.