Using sandbags
Sandbags are not waterproof and will not keep water out indefinitely. Purpose designed flood protection products are much more effective.
Bags that have come in contact with flood water may be contaminated due to sewerage. As a safety precaution, you should:
- wear gloves when handling sandbags and wash your hands afterwards in warm soapy water
- never allow children to play with the sand from sandbags, or place it in sand pits. The type of sand used in sandbags is not suitable for this purpose and may also be contaminated
- wet sandbags are very heavy, so be careful when handling them
Storing sandbags
Sandbags will disintegrate with exposure to the weather so are not recommended for use after long periods of time. They can be stored in a dry place to use again in the near future, as more than one flooding incident can occur in quick succession.
- wherever possible, store dry sandbags - wet bags will decay quicker
- if you are unable to store full sandbags, empty any dry bags and store the sand in a dry place. Keep the bags so that they can be re-filled.
Disposing of sandbags
If you are not storing sandbags for future use:
- double wrap them (bin liners can be used) and take them to your nearest household waste recycling centre for disposal;
- alternatively, you can split bags open and dig the sand into your garden. Dispose of empty bags in your refuse bin
- do not place full sandbags or sand in your refuse bin
- do not allow sand to be washed into drains as this may block them and cause more flooding