Traditionally, sandbags have been used to block doorways, drains and other openings into properties as well as to weigh-down manhole covers, garden furniture and to block sink, toilet and bath drains to prevent water backing up. However, sandbags are difficult to handle and are relatively ineffective when compared to other purpose made flood protection products. We strongly encourage people, who live in a flood risk area, to purchase sandbag alternatives or flood protection products such as flood boards, non-return valves and air brick covers.

The National Flood Forum has put together a directory of flood protection products and services that can help reduce the risk of flooding to homes or businesses.

Sandbags

Traditionally, sandbags have been used to block doorways, drains and other openings into properties as well as to weigh-down manhole covers, garden furniture and to block sink, toilet and bath drains to prevent water backing up. However, sandbags are difficult to handle and are relatively ineffective when compared to other purpose made flood protection products. We strongly encourage people, who live in a flood risk area, to purchase sandbag alternatives or flood protection products such as flood boards, non-return valves and air brick covers.

It is the responsibility of property owners to take appropriate action to protect their property from flooding. If you think that you may require sandbags please prepare in advance and make your own arrangements to purchase them from Builders Merchants and DIY stores.

Although we do not have a statutory duty to provide sandbags, we will use the resources available to try to mitigate problems associated with flooding. During a severe weather event sandbags may be deployed, free of charge, to areas at risk of flooding. We may also decide to stockpile sandbags in strategic locations so that residents and businesses can collect their own supplies and protect their property. Our teams will be alerted to the areas of need and will work with the emergency services to deal severe weather related problems. However, please be aware that:

• During severe weather conditions our resources are fully occupied in dealing with issues associated with highway flooding, overtopping of coastal defences and watercourse discharges or flows escaping from public sewers.
• The SWISCo Depot at Aspen Way, Paignton has a limited stockpile of sandbags (1000) which can quickly disappear during an emergency.
• If requests for supply or delivery are received during an emergency situation, we will consider them sympathetically on a case-by-case basis according to apparent vulnerability.

Any resident wishing to report a flood risk and request sandbags should contact 01803 701310.

Disposal

Once collected or delivered the disposal of used sandbags is the responsibility of the homeowner. Please refer to the information below for advice on removal and disposal of your sandbags.

1. If sandbags have not come into contact with flood water you can store them in a dry area for future use.
2. If sandbags have come into contact with flood water:
   • Split the bag and mix the sand with the soil in your garden. Empty bags can be placed in your wheelie bin. Do not place full sandbags in wheelie bins.
   • If you are unable to spread the contents of the sandbag in a garden, they should be taken to the Household Waste and Recycling Centre.
   • Skips may be provided for affected communities following a major flood event. If a collection service is being offered, SWISCo will provide you with information on what to do.
   • If you are moving sandbags which have been contaminated by flood water please ensure you wear gloves and wash your hands thoroughly afterwards.
   • Please remember, wet sandbags are heavy and it may be best to ask somebody to help you to lift them.
   • Do not allow children to play with the sand, or place it in sandpits due to possible contamination, and the potential harm this could cause to a child.