LOS ANGELES — As the rain continues, so does the chance of flooding, mudslides — and property damage. But there is a simple tool that can help. Sandbags are readily available at most local fire stations, as well as home improvement stores.
What is a sandbag for?
When properties are in a location that have some propensity to get high water or a storm flow going by, it’s a good idea to have sandbags to keep the water at bay and flowing past a doorway opening or driveway, according to LA County Public Works spokesman Steve Fraser. “This can happen because especially heavy rainfall will affect an area that it otherwise doesn’t or in proximity to a recent burn area where more mudflow comes down off a hill.”
How do sandbags work?
Sandbags work by diverting water from the object or structure a person is trying to keep dry. Because sand is dense and coarse, it is a good water barrier. It is also easy to manipulate and handle. When bagged, the sand catches the fine particles in stormwater, helping to fill the gaps between sand particles and decrease the amount of water that seeps through. As the bag gets wet, it also gets heavy, helping to keep it in place.
What’s the proper way to fill and use a sandbag?
The best way to fill a sandbag is with two people. One person holds the bag open, and the other person shovels in the sand. Sandbags should only be filled one-third to halfway so the tops can be folded over. If the sacks are too full, the sand will spill out.
Before placing the sandbags, be sure to remove debris from the area where they will be stacked. The folded side of the bag should be placed upstream and parallel to the direction where the water is flowing. Once a row of sandbags is put in place, flatten each bag with a foot to get rid of gaps to help them form a seal. If additional layers are needed, place them in an offset brick-like pattern.
Where can I find sandbags?
The City and County of Los Angeles both provide sandbags for free at most of their fire stations. LA County fire stations will provide up to two dozen sandbags per household for free. The LA Fire Department will provide up to 25 free sandbags. Many hardware and home improvement stores also sell sandbags for about 50 cents apiece.
Where can I find sand?
Some fire stations provide sand in addition to sandbags, but most don’t. Many hardware and home improvement stores sell sand.
Can I fill a sandbag with something else?
yes If sand isn’t available, dirt will also work. Just make sure that the dirt isn’t too gravelly or rocky because water will be able to seep through.
When is the best time to get sandbags in place?
Before a storm, ideally. “It’s tricky to get bags, fill them up and get them in place to protect your property while the rain is torrentially falling,” Frasher said. “That’s not to say that tons of people don’t do that.”
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