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Flooding
Flooding Working Group Minutes
Next meeting: TBC
Help and advice with flooding issues, can also be found on the Flood Mary web site.
Sandbags - Options and Advice
The UK Government and various local councils advise residents to take proactive measures to protect their properties from flooding. Whilst sandbags have been traditionally used, they are often not the most effective solution due to their weight, storage challenges, limited shelf life and limited efficacy.
Consequently, many authorities recommend considering modern alternatives for residential flood defences.
Most local authorities also seem to put the onus firmly onto residents and owners to protect their properties.
Government and a few Local Authority Recommendations:
- Environment Agency:The agency suggests installing Property Flood Resilience (PFR) products in advance of potential flooding, as they do not have a duty to supply or install sandbags.
- Central Bedfordshire Council:This council advises against using sandbags, highlighting their ineffectiveness and logistical challenges. Instead, they recommend modern flood defence products that are more efficient and easier to deploy.
- Wiltshire Council:Residents are encouraged to make their own arrangements to buy sandbags or modern alternatives, as the council has a limited supply and priorities distribution based on local need at the time.
Alternative Flood Protection Products:
Several innovative products have been developed to offer more effective and user-friendly flood protection compared to traditional sandbags. They also have significant advantages too in terms of storage and longevity. Additionally many are stackable, and reusable after initial activation. Although they are slow to dry out, and may take a few weeks to return to their normal dry state.
Water Gate:
A rapid response flood control system made of PVC that stabilises using the pressure of oncoming water. It’s reusable and can be deployed by a single person in a short time.
Quick Dam Flood Barriers:
Water-activated barriers that expand upon contact with water, forming an effective barrier against floods. They are lightweight and easy to position.
FloodSax Sand-Less Sandbags:
Self-inflating bags that absorb water to create a barrier. They are compact before activation, making them easy to store and deploy.
AquaSafe Flood Bags:
Innovative sand-less flood bags that expand upon contact with water, providing a quick and efficient barrier against flooding.
HydroSack:
A lightweight alternative to sandbags that absorbs water to form a barrier. It’s designed for easy storage and rapid deployment.
All of the above are available from Amazon online and at various outlets including Wicks, Screwfix etc. Prices vary depending on which type, length and quantity. Whilst these solutions may stop external water ingress, thought should also be given to toilets and drains inside the property as well as rising water can often also encroach via these access points. Again Toilet Flood Overflow Stoppers (effectively inflatable bungs fixed in place) are widely available on line. Man hole covers inside any building should apparently be already be hermetically sealed and bolted down.
Acquiring Flood Protection Products:
Residents are encouraged to source flood protection products from local builders’ merchants, hardware stores, or reputable online retailers. it’s advisable to procure these products in advance to ensure readiness for potential flooding events.
Conclusion:
In summary, while traditional sandbags have been a common flood defence tool, modern alternatives offer enhanced effectiveness and ease of use. Proactively selecting and installing appropriate flood protection products can significantly reduce the risk of water ingress during flooding events.
Information regarding flooding and emergency planning can also be found on the Parish Council’s web site,
https://www.bloxhamparishcouncil.co.uk/emergency-planning.php