Sandbagging : A Guide to Protecting Your House

Recent brush fires have left behind burned hillsides that are susceptible to flooding, erosion, and mudslides. With the rainy season upon us, homeowners should know that they can take temporary emergency measures to protect their homes from mud and water. Sandbags can be used both to keep debris from entering a house and to channel it around or away from a structure. Many San Fernando Valley fire stations are providing empty sandbags free of charge. Using plastic sheets to cover slopes also controls erosion and diverts flood debris.

Filling and Stacking the Bags

The most efficient way of filling and stacking the sandbags, which are made of either burlap or nylon, is shown below:

* Filled half-full. Overfilling makes the bags heavy and difficult to manage.

* Placed with the flap tied or tucked under and pointed in the direction of the water or mud’s flow.

* Layered on top of each other tightly, with each layer staggered. Rows should be no more than three layers, unless they’re supported by a building or placed in a pyramid.

Placing the Bags to Protect Building

* Layers of bags should be placed against building

* To prevent water and mud from seeping into a sliding glass door, a plastic sheet should be placed against glass with sandbags or a plywood barrier holding plastic in place.

Directing Debris Away From Building

* Layers of bags should be lined up away from house to divert flow of debris from hill.

* Bags can also be lined along street

Where to Get Sandbags

Both the city and county fire departments are providing empty sandbags, which can be picked up at the nearest stations. Residents must fill the bags themselves. Whom to call and what they’re providing:

City Fire Department

Call 213-485-6185. Providing maximum of 25 bags per person or family. An unlimited number can be obtained if a resident has a sandbagging plot plan written by a Flood Control District engineer.

County Fire Department

Call 213-881-2413. County stations are providing an unlimited number of bags.

Where to Get Sand: Gravel or garden supply stores. If sand isn’t readily available, bags can be filled with dirt, mud or rocks.

Source: Los Angeles city and county fire departments

Erect temporary wooden fence to deflect debris from home Board up doors and windows to keep out debris Place layers of sandbags against building Allow large parth for flow of debris Use a permanent brick wall to divert debris from home Cut slope drain to direct and slow flow of water Plant slopes near home to absorb water and mud Rain falling on hills bare vegetation creates a flood danger