Sandbagging : A GUIDE TO PROTECTING YOUR HOUSE

Last fall’s brush fires have left behind burned hillsides that are susceptible to flooding, erosion and mudslides.

Sandbags can be used to keep debris from entering a house and to channel it around or away from a structure. Many fire stations provide empty sandbags free of charge. Using plastic sheets to cover slopes also can control erosion and divert flood debris.

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

* Fill halfway: Overfilling makes the bags heavy and difficult to manage. * Placement: Place with the flap tied or tucked under and pointed in the direction of the water or mud’s flow. * Stacking: Place bags on top of each other tightly, with each layer staggered. Rows should be no more than three layers, unless supported by a building or stacked in a pyramid.

Placing Bags to Protect Building * Use layers: Layers of bags should be placed against building. * Protecting doors: To prevent water and mud from seeping under a sliding glass door, a plastic sheet should be placed against glass with sandbags or a plywood barrier holding the plastic in place.

Directing Debris Away From Building * Make a line: Layers of bags should be lind up away from house to divert flow of debris. * Keep it in the street: Often curbs cannot contain floodwaters. Bags can be lined along the street to help contain the flow.

Where to Get Sandbags

City and county fire departments are providing empty sandbags. Residents must pick up and fill the bags themselves.

City Fire Department: L.A. stations are providing a maximum of 25 bags per person or family.

County Fire Departments: County stations in areas at risk for flooding 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.

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Rain falling on hills bare of vegetation creates a flood danger.

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 path 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 anchor the soil.

Source: Los Angeles city and county fire departments

Researched and written by JULIE SHEER / Los Angeles Times