How to Use Sandbags to Keep Water Out of Your Home

Sandbags help control floodwaters and protect homes.

Sandbagging is a labor-intensive but effective method for redirecting water flow to protect your home from flooding. Identify the parts of your home that are most at risk and work to protect them first. Use automated equipment if possible to reduce injuries and speed up the process. If there is no equipment available, fill the sandbags by hand.

Things You'll Need

• Shovel
• Large funnel
• Protective gloves, eyewear and clothing

Instructions

1. Work with a partner to fill the sandbags. One person should hold the bag open while the other person shovels sand into it. In an emergency situation with imminent flooding, a three-person crew is more efficient, with two people filling the bags and the third person moving them into position. Alternate positions frequently to prevent injuries and allow time to rest.

2. Fill each bag only 1/3 to 1/2 full. Overfilling the bags makes them difficult to move and leads to spillage. Fold over the open end of the bag into a triangle shape to keep the sand contained.

3. Carry or drag the bags to the area that requires protection. Place bags folded side up with the folded edge facing the water's direction of flow. Put each bag on top of the folded flap of the previous bag to form a solid line. Stomp the bag into place.

4. Add a second layer of bags, staggering them to cover the seams between the first layer of bags. Follow the same pattern for each subsequent layer until you have a wall tall enough to contain the water flow. Make the wall one and a half times wider than it is tall to maintain stability. For example, a 2-foot-tall wall needs to be 3 feet wide.

Tips & Warnings

• Protect your back while filling and moving sandbags. Refrain from twisting while shoveling the sand and lift with your legs when you move the filled bags.

• Use a large funnel to help prevent spillover when filling the bags.

• Some sandbags are chemically treated and floodwater can be contaminated. Wear protective gloves, eyewear and clothing to avoid contact with dangerous substances.

References

• Occupational Safety and Health Administration: Filling, Moving and Placing Sandbags During Flooding Disasters
• City of Elk Grove: Flood Control: Sandbag Distribution and Use

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish