Residents across Florida have waited in lines for sandbags to fight the possibility of floods that Hurricane Irma may bring. Now, what to do with them?
While sandbags are best placed in front of doors, sliding doors and brickwork vents, there are some things you can do for better results, according to the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes, NOLA.com and disaster management professionals in Queensland, Australia.
First, when using sandbags remember they are:
• Meant to stop the flow of small amounts of water;
• Useful in up to two feet of water;
• Deteriorate after several months of use;
• And when wet, the sand hardens but it's still pliable enough to mold into the shape needed to build a water-blocking structure.
When placing them, it is best when:
• Using coarse sand;
• Laying down a plastic tarp;
• Placing the sandbags close together;
• Stacking in a staggered pattern (such as bricks);
And of course, be sure to set up the bags before flooding starts.
