Using sandbags to protect your home

Floods can impact communities across the state at any time, there are a number of things that you can do to make sure you and your property stay safe during flooding.

For materials contact your local hardware store.

How do I fill the sandbag?

Only use sand to fill hessian bags. Do not use dirt.
Only fill sandbag two-thirds full.
Do not over fill the sandbag as it will be too heavy to carry.
Do not tie the top of the sandbag.
Take care when filling and lifting the sandbag, to avoid injury.

How do I lay sandbags?

Lay sandbags like brickwork. Stagger rows so that the joins do not line up.
Start at one end and work to the other end.
Ensure the unfilled part of the bag is covered by the next bag.
Tuck flap under the bag at the end of the row.
If the sandbag wall is going to be more than five (5) bags high, you will need to lay two (2) rows wide.

TIP: Flattening the top of the sandbag row before adding the next row will help the structure.

Step 1: Flap down

Step 2: Overlap

Where do I place the sandbags?

Cover drainage holes in home e.g. showers, toilets, sinks to stop back flow of water.
Place a small wall across doorways, at least the height of the expected water level. Be careful not to trap yourself inside.
If available, plastic sheeting may be used under sandbags to reduce the seepage.

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

Sturdy gloves should be worn when handling wet sandbags as they can contain chemicals, waste and diseases.
Sandbags that have been in contact with floodwater need to be thrown away.
Contact your local council to find out how to dispose of your sandbags safely.