Sandbags and flood preparedness

Using sandbags to protect your home

When placed correctly, sandbags can reduce the impact of flooding on your home or business. Sandbags will not stop the water completely but can reduce the amount of water entering your property.

Where can I get sandbags from?

Sandbags can be purchased from some local hardware stores or landscaping suppliers. Your local Council may supply sandbags during flood and storm season. Contact your local Council or visit their web site for further information. Sandbags may be in limited supply during an event when significant flooding is occurring and may only be issued by the Council or SES on a case by case basis. It is best to be prepared and purchase/prepare your own sandbags prior to an impending flood event. Self-inflating sandbags are ready-to-use sandbags that don’t require filling, they will self-inflate when they come into contact with water, can be stored a long time and are a light weight alternative to traditional sand-bags. Self-inflating sandbags can be purchased from some local hardware stores or landscaping suppliers.

How do I fill the sandbag?

Filling bags with sand works much better than soil, clay, gravel or a mixture of these, which can be used if sand is not available.

• Sandbags only need to be filled to 2/3 full.
• Do not over fill as they will be too heavy to carry. A filled sandbag can weigh 15-20 kgs.
• Do not tie the top of the bag. The top of the bag may be tied for transport purposes only.
• Note: Sandbags may be placed in plastic bags to provide greater water resistance.

How do I lay sandbags?

• Place down a layer of plastic sheeting to act as the water proofing membrane.
• Lay sandbags like brickwork on top of the plastic sheeting ensuring you stagger rows so that the joins do not line up. Start at one end and work to the other end.
• Ensure the unfilled top part of the bag is covered by the next bag.
• Tuck flap under the bag at the end of the row.
• TIP: Flattening down the sandbag row before adding the next row will help you to build a better structure.

Where do I need to put the sandbags?

• For most buildings, to reduce the impact of flooding, sandbags should be placed over floor wastes and drains (e.g. laundry, shower and bath) to prevent backflow of grey water entering. Sandbags should be used in front of doorways /roller doors and brickwork vents.
• Most standard homes and buildings on a concrete slab can be protected with less than 25 sandbags.
• It is not always necessary to place a sandbag wall around your whole building to provide protection. This may only be necessary if it is on stumps or constructed of materials such as timber or fibro sheeting. Before building a sandbag wall, consider how you would remove floodwater that could become trapped between the sandbag wall and your building. (e.g. pump, siphon or bailing bucket).

Where do I place the sandbags?

• Place a small sandbag wall across doorways. The number of layers required will be dependent on the expected flood height, however it is generally around two (2) sandbag rows high.
• Make sure that you have at least one doorway that you can use to access or exit the building – do this by building a wall that allows the door to still be opened (refer to photos overleaf).
• Air vents between brickwork may also require sandbags. Small vents may be covered with waterproof tape or plastic.
• Cover all drainage holes and floor drains to stop backflow of contaminated water.
• Protect air vents or drains with sandbags or tape.
• To avoid back flow of grey water block toilets with a small plastic bag of sand, weighed down by a larger sandbag.

What else can I do to protect my home?

• Raising valuables off the floor may prevent damage to personal items from floodwater that may still enter.
• Lifting of curtains, rugs and bedding, and removing items from low cupboards may be necessary.
• Turn off power and gas at the mains.
• For other ways to protect your home and family during a flood contact your local Council or SES and visit their web sites for further information.

What do I do once I have finished with the sandbags?

• Sandbags that have been exposed to floodwater need to be thrown away.
• Care should be taken when handling wet sand bags, sturdy gloves should be worn as floodwater can contain chemicals, harmful waste and contaminates.
• Sandbags should not be reused if they have been in contact with floodwater. Sand from used sandbags, not been exposed to floodwater or other contaminants, can usually be scattered on lawns or gardens as topsoil, where it will not wash into stormwater drains.
• Contact your local Council for advice on how you can dispose of contaminated sandbags.

Storage of Sandbags

If keeping a stock of sandbags, be aware that they can rot if le wet and damp – store them in a dry place out of the sun

Printable brochure (PDF) - DIY  Using sandbags to protect your home

Video: Sandbagging tips from the SES

Source: Queensland Fire Department, State Emergency Service (SES)