Sandbags

Local Authorities do not have a statutory duty to provide residents with sandbags and maintain only limited stocks for the following reasons:

• Sandbags provide only limited protection against flooding and are relatively ineffective when compared with purpose-designed flood protection products
• Transportation and the correct positioning of sandbags on a timely basis (before flooding has occurred) often prove difficult, particularly in the event of widespread disruption
• Sandbags have a limited shelf life

We will nevertheless make any stock available in line with the following priorities:

• To protect life, critical infrastructure and buildings, e.g hospitals and substations
• To protect elderly, disabled and vulnerable residents
• To support the emergency services

Please note that sandbags will not be made available for the protection of gardens, outbuildings or garages.

Sandbags can normally be purchased from DIY stores and builders merchants both locally and nationally.

Who is responsible for protecting your property?

The primary responsibility for protecting property from the risk of flooding rests with the property owner. We urge those living within areas identified at being at risk from flooding to follow the advice of the Environment Agency to protect their homes.

Once sandbags have come in to contact with flood water, they should not be re-used as they are considered to be contaminated. Once sandbags have become contaminated, it is the responsibility of the property owner to arrange for their disposal.

In the event that flooding occurs, residents are advised to concentrate their efforts on protecting family members and belongings.

If you are vulnerable or in a flood-affected area, you can request sandbags by calling:

• 01509 634666 (Monday to Friday, 9am – 4pm)
• 01509 634567 (out of hours)