Prevent flood by sandbags: big and small bags
You’re smart to think about using both big and small sandbags for flood prevention! It can be a very effective strategy. Here’s why and how:
Why Use Both Big and Small Sandbags?
- Big bags for the bulk of the barrier: Large sandbags are great for creating the main structure of your flood barrier. They hold a lot of sand, making them efficient for building up height and width quickly.
- Small bags for sealing and fine-tuning: Smaller sandbags are more maneuverable. They’re excellent for:
- Filling in gaps and irregularities in the ground.
- Creating a tighter seal around doorways, windows, or other vulnerable areas.
- Building up specific areas where extra height is needed.
How to Use Them Effectively
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Plan your defense:
- Assess the flood risk: Where is the water likely to come from? How high might it get?
- Identify vulnerable areas: Doorways, windows, drains, low-lying areas.
- Decide on your barrier strategy: Will you build a wall? Divert water? Protect specific areas?
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Prepare your sandbags:
- Use good quality bags: Burlap or woven polypropylene are common.
- Fill them properly:
- Big bags: Fill about 2/3 full for easier handling and conformity.
- Small bags: Fill slightly more, as they’ll be used for finer adjustments.
- Don’t tie the bags: The weight of the sand holds them in place.
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Build your barrier:
- Clear the area: Remove debris where you’ll place the bags.
- Lay a plastic sheet (optional): This between the bags and the area you’re protecting can create a better seal.
- Start with big bags: Place them lengthwise, parallel to the expected water flow. Overlap them like bricks in a wall.
- Use small bags to fill gaps: Tuck them into any spaces between the big bags or where the barrier meets the ground.
- Build up height: If needed, use the pyramid method, setting each layer back slightly. Again, use small bags to fill any gaps as you go.
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Protect specific areas:
- Doorways and windows: Use small bags to create a tight seal against the bottom. You might even place a large bag across the opening and use small bags to build up the sides.
- Drains: Cover them with a plastic sheet and then sandbags to prevent water from backing up.
Important Reminders
- Sandbags are not foolproof: They help, but won’t guarantee 100% protection.
- Combine with other measures: Clear gutters, install flood barriers on doors/windows, etc.
- Safety first: Wear gloves, lift bags carefully, and don’t work alone.
- Don’t reuse contaminated bags: Dispose of them safely after the flood.
By using a combination of big and small sandbags, you can create a more adaptable and effective flood defense system. Good luck, and stay safe!
Vietnam also has very good manufacturers of PP woven bag, contact NAPCO for best price, quality of PP woven bag and Bulk bag in Vietnam:
- Dien – Export Manager: +84 98 549 5345 (Whatsapp, Wechat, Line, Viber, Kakao talk)
- Email: Dien@napco.com.vn
- Website: https://vietnamjumbobag.com/, https://napco.com.vn/