Purpose
Sandbags, when properly filled and placed, will redirect storm and debris flows away from property improvements.
Filling
- Fill sandbags one-half full. Sand is suggested if readily available; however, sand is not mandatory, and any local soil may be used.
- Fold top of sandbag down and rest bag on its folded top.
Care should be taken to stack sandbags in accordance with the illustrations. Place each sandbag as shown, completing each layer prior to starting the next layer. Limit placement to two layers unless a building is used as a backing or sandbags are pyramided as shown.
It is important to place the bags with the folded top of the bag in the upstream or uphill direction to prevent the bags from opening when water runs by them.
Limitations
- Sandbags will not seal out water.
- Sandbags deteriorate when exposed for several months to continued wetting and drying. If bags are placed too early, they may not be effective when needed. If it is necessary that bags remain durable for a longer time, the addition of cement can increase effective life.
- Sandbags are basically for low-flow protection (up to two feet). Protection from high flow requires a permanent type of structure.
