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subject: Flooding, Flood Defences and the Humble Sandbag [print this page]

Flood protection is vital for any home at risk of flooding and in this article well discuss the different types of flooding and the crucial part the humble sandbag plays in flood defences. Flooding is becoming an increasing risk for many home-owners. In England and Wales alone, nearly 5 million households are at risk of flooding and as more and more homes are being built in high risk areas, the problem is expected to get worse. Flooding is not just a problem for those living near the coastline or rivers either. Floods can happen anywhere and at anytime, particularly after a heavy rainfall and it is important to be aware of the risks of flooding and types flood protection available. There are numerous causes of flooding many of which can happen anywhere even if you live miles from a main source of water. The main causes of flooding are: River flooding rivers can burst their banks after heavy rainfall and this can lead to one of the most widespread types of flooding and reservoirs and lakes can burst their banks too. Coastal flooding is often caused by storms but with climate change expecting to cause rising sea-levels this type of flooding could increase.

Groundwater Floods caused by lack of drainage of groundwater particularly in areas built on permeable rock

Surface and sewer water flooding Caused by blocked drains and sewers, this type of flooding can hit any home and at anytime.

River floods can affect large areas The UKs Environment Agency produces a map of areas deemed as high risk and it is vital that if you live in one of these areas you put some thought into proper planning to prevent flooding and to prepare for it by thinking about flood defences and flood protection. The aim of flood defences is to: prevent, delay and limit the damage of water getting onto a home. One of the most common and useful flood defence tools is the humble sandbag. These can be stacked into walls to prevent water from getting in and have been used for centuries in preventing flood risks. They are cheap, easy to store and provide excellent defence against flooding. Unfortunately there are downsides to the sandbag. Traditional sandbags have to be filled-up in advance of any flooding. Unfortunately not every flood can be predicted and often there is not enough time to prepare the sandbags in advance. However, a new type of instant sandbag is available that does away with the need for sand completely. These instant sandbags use water, and once soaked for a few minutes, an instant sandbag will fill up and act exactly the same way as a traditional sand bag. Instant sandbags are part of a arsenal of new flood defence innovations available in the struggle against flooding and well discuss some other new methods of flood defence in later articles.

Flooding, Flood Defences and the Humble Sandbag

By: Richard n Williams

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