Sandbag Use and Instruction

How do I fill the sandbag?

It is preferable that you only use sand to fill the bags. Soil, clay, gravel or a mixture of these is not usually recommended.
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 kilograms.
Do not tie the top of the bag. The top of the bag may be tied for transport purposes only.

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.
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.
Stagger rows so that the joins do not line up.

TIP1: 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 also 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 consideration should be given to 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 .
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 do I do once I have finished with the sandbags?

Care should be taken when handling wet sandbags; 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.
Sandbags that have been exposed to floodwater need to be thrown away.
Sand from used sandbags not exposed to floodwater or other contaminants can usually be scattered on laws or gardens as topsoil, where it will not wash into storm water drains.
Contact your local Council for advice on how you can dispose of contaminated sandbags.
Storage of unused sandbags - If keeping a stock of sandbags, be aware that they can rot if left wet and damp – store them in a dry place out of the sun.

What else can I do to protect my home or business?

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.