How to Use Sandbags to Prevent Flooding
Sandbags are the most commonly used barrier during flooding since they are simple to use. The most dangerous part of using sandbags is actually lifting them; they can get pretty heavy, especially if they are soaked at the time of movement. Creating a sandbag wall does not guarantee that water will not flow through, but the bags will at least absorb some of the water and block more water from passing through it once they become soaked. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Put on your gloves and protective goggles. Burlap sandbags can be irritating after a while, and you do not want to risk getting sand in your eyes. Two people should be involved, and both should wear protective gear.
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Hold the bag in both hands with legs open, shoulder width apart. The person holding the bag will prevent injury if he holds the bag properly and stands correctly. Fold the top of the bag down several times to create a collar about 1/3 of the way down.
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Pour the sand into the bag with the shovel until it is filled to the folded collar height. It is important to place the shovel inside of the bag before dropping the sand in. Less sand will take off with the wind, and the person holding the bag will most likely not be hit in the face. Roll the collar back upward, but do not tie the bag.
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Lay one layer of bags side to side as tightly as possible across the ground. The opening of the bag should be placed in front of the oncoming water with the extra material slightly tucked under its weight. Leaving the bags untied during stacking will allow the water to flow right into the sand. The sand will then absorb the most water possible, preventing other water from getting through its barrier.
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Place a second layer, or tier, on top of the first. This is called building a sandbag pyramid. The middle of the top bag should lie on top of the edge where the below two bags meet. Do this until the pyramid is complete with all the bags you have.
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