Sandbag Information
Sandbag Guidelines for Homeowners
The use of sandbags is a simple but effective method of preventing or reducing damage from floodwater or debris. Other recommendations:
- Sandbags alone should not be relied on to keep water outside a building. Use baffle boards (plywood sheeting) or plastic sheeting with the sandbags. To form a sandbag wall, place bags tightly against one another to form the first layer of defense. Stagger the second and subsequent layers of bags, much like the pattern of bricks in a wall.
- Sandbags should never be used to build a fortress around the perimeter of one’s property. Doing so can actually trap floodwaters between sandbag walls and structures, leading to further damage.
Rules for Sandbagging
- Remove any debris from the area where the bags are to be placed.
- Fold the open end of the unfilled portion of the bag to form a triangle. If tied bags are used, flatten or flare the tied end.
- Place the partially filled bags lengthwise and parallel to the direction of flow, with the open end facing against the water flow. Tuck the flaps under, keeping the unfilled portion under the weight of the sack.
- Place succeeding bags on top, offsetting by 1/2 filled length of the previous bag, and stamp into place to eliminate voids, and form a tight seal.
- Stagger the joint connections when multiple layers are necessary. For unsupported layers more than three courses high, use the pyramid placement method. (Place the sandbags to form a pyramid by altering bags placed crosswise and bags placed lengthwise.)
(This information was provided by: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Walla Walla District Emergency Management Branch Walla Walla, Washington at zip code 99362-1876.)
Locations Where Sand Bags May be Obtained
The City of Pinellas Park may disburse sandbags to residents and businesses, should the conditions require, at the Adamek Building located at:
7700 60th Street N
Pinellas Park, FL 33781
Other distribution sites may be established as needed.