Why do people use sandbags before a flood?
By
Staff, AccuWeather
Published Mar 9, 2020 8:27 PM EDT
It's common to see homes barricaded with sandbags in anticipation of severe flooding. Why are sandbags used and what makes them so effective?
It's estimated that flooding costs this country more than $1.9 billion each year. By the year 2050, experts believe that the annual cost of flood damage will rise to $1 trillion. Due to global warming and climate shifts, flooding seems to have intensified. People will do anything they can to protect their homes from floods and other natural disasters., This layer of protection from flooding is why using sandbags is so imperative. Why do people use sandbags when there is a threat of flooding? The real reason why they are so popular is that they work well at keeping the rain waters at bay, and they are affordable.
Photo by Canislupus
Canislupus
Sandbags have many purposes. They are used in military reinforcement, construction sites, traffic control, or to prevent erosion. However, one of their biggest purposes is keeping water at bay by acting as a flood wall. When it comes to catastrophic disasters like hurricanes, the dangerous amounts of water and high winds spell trouble for homes in harm’s way. When the weather is uncertain, you can get the sandbags ready to help stop flooding and landslides. Even if the flood is minor, a mere 12 inches of water can destroy a home. The destruction can be devastating, and it can cause structural damage. Adding sandbags to the doorways can detour the water. These bags weigh about 40 lbs. each, and they can stand as an active guard to keep the water from entering your home.
Photo by Rik Schots
Rik Schots
A sandbag is a powerful diversion that helps to minimize flood water damage. They can block doorways, sit atop of a manhole cover or drain, and can even be placed on garden furniture to keep it from being whisked away. The key is that they must be in the right position and filled correctly to act as a divert to water. Floodwater is also filled with muddy sediment, and it’s also filled with dangerous bacteria that you don’t want in your home. However, a sandbag can create a diversion to keep away a great deal of those dangers. Now, some water can seep through as it’s not a water-tight seal, but it can help to withstand Mother Nature’s wrath. When stacking sandbags, they should be placed in a pyramid shape, which you create by placing the bags crosswise and lengthwise. This formation will give you the highest levels of protection. Always use gloves, safety goggles, and steel toe boots when stacking these heavy bags.
Photo by Matthew Hinton
Matthew Hinton
When a storm is brewing, sandbags are in popular demand. Thankfully, you can find them rather easily in a flood zone. The best places to buy these bags are:
-
Camping Supply Facilities
-
Gardening Shops
-
Hardware Retailers
-
Hurricane Preparedness Center
When rainwater is a real threat, you should know that the most effective and inexpensive way to keep your home safe from floods is by using sandbags.
Photo by MaÅ?gorzata Smożewska
Małgorzata Smożewska
When a major storm is coming to your area, then the local stores may sell out of these bags. However, there’s no need to worry as there are other options available. You can use pillowcases, burlap bags, and even strong plastic bags to make these water barriers. Just fill them with rocks, potting soil, dirt, kitty litter, or even blankets and rags. Anything you do is better than doing nothing to protect your home.
Photo by Kriszta Keszei
Kriszta Keszei
The next time a major storm is moving in, or there is a threat of a hurricane that can bring catastrophic flooding, you don’t need to be fearful of the future. Just keep your eye on the sky and your radio and television tuned to your local weather. When storms are imminent, then you need to grab your sandbags and prepare for the worst
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News / AccuWeather Ready
Why do people use sandbags before a flood?
By Staff, AccuWeather
Published Mar 9, 2020 8:27 PM EDT
It's common to see homes barricaded with sandbags in anticipation of severe flooding. Why are sandbags used and what makes them so effective?
It's estimated that flooding costs this country more than $1.9 billion each year. By the year 2050, experts believe that the annual cost of flood damage will rise to $1 trillion. Due to global warming and climate shifts, flooding seems to have intensified. People will do anything they can to protect their homes from floods and other natural disasters., This layer of protection from flooding is why using sandbags is so imperative. Why do people use sandbags when there is a threat of flooding? The real reason why they are so popular is that they work well at keeping the rain waters at bay, and they are affordable.
Photo by Canislupus
How sandbags can help in a hurricane
Sandbags have many purposes. They are used in military reinforcement, construction sites, traffic control, or to prevent erosion. However, one of their biggest purposes is keeping water at bay by acting as a flood wall. When it comes to catastrophic disasters like hurricanes, the dangerous amounts of water and high winds spell trouble for homes in harm’s way. When the weather is uncertain, you can get the sandbags ready to help stop flooding and landslides. Even if the flood is minor, a mere 12 inches of water can destroy a home. The destruction can be devastating, and it can cause structural damage. Adding sandbags to the doorways can detour the water. These bags weigh about 40 lbs. each, and they can stand as an active guard to keep the water from entering your home.
Photo by Rik Schots
How sandbags work
A sandbag is a powerful diversion that helps to minimize flood water damage. They can block doorways, sit atop of a manhole cover or drain, and can even be placed on garden furniture to keep it from being whisked away. The key is that they must be in the right position and filled correctly to act as a divert to water. Floodwater is also filled with muddy sediment, and it’s also filled with dangerous bacteria that you don’t want in your home. However, a sandbag can create a diversion to keep away a great deal of those dangers. Now, some water can seep through as it’s not a water-tight seal, but it can help to withstand Mother Nature’s wrath. When stacking sandbags, they should be placed in a pyramid shape, which you create by placing the bags crosswise and lengthwise. This formation will give you the highest levels of protection. Always use gloves, safety goggles, and steel toe boots when stacking these heavy bags.
Photo by Matthew Hinton
Where to buy sandbags
When a storm is brewing, sandbags are in popular demand. Thankfully, you can find them rather easily in a flood zone. The best places to buy these bags are:
Camping Supply Facilities
Gardening Shops
Hardware Retailers
Hurricane Preparedness Center
When rainwater is a real threat, you should know that the most effective and inexpensive way to keep your home safe from floods is by using sandbags.
Photo by MaÅ?gorzata Smożewska
Alternatives to sandbags
When a major storm is coming to your area, then the local stores may sell out of these bags. However, there’s no need to worry as there are other options available. You can use pillowcases, burlap bags, and even strong plastic bags to make these water barriers. Just fill them with rocks, potting soil, dirt, kitty litter, or even blankets and rags. Anything you do is better than doing nothing to protect your home.
Photo by Kriszta Keszei
The next time a major storm is moving in, or there is a threat of a hurricane that can bring catastrophic flooding, you don’t need to be fearful of the future. Just keep your eye on the sky and your radio and television tuned to your local weather. When storms are imminent, then you need to grab your sandbags and prepare for the worst
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