definition
A sandbag is a bag or sack made of hessian / burlap, polypropylene or other materials, that is filled with sand or soil and it is used for flood defence. Sandbags may be used during emergencies when rivers threaten to overflow their banks, or when a levee or dike is damaged. They may also be used in non-emergency situations (or after an emergency) as a foundation for new levees or other water-control structures. Sandbags are the most common form of temporary flood defences (Wikipedia, Sandbag, accessed on Sept. 2016 ).Co-benefits and impacts
Using sandbags is an inexpensive measure for flood defence. When empty, the bags are compact and lightweight for easy storage and transportation whereas bags can be brought to a site empty and filled with local sand or soil. In addition, sandbags can be used for military fortification, shielding glass windows in war zones, ballast, and in other applications requiring mobile fortification (Revolvy, Sandbag, accessed on Sept. 2016).Related Links
FRI indicators (Show all)
Citizens Learning and adapting from previous eventsResponsible authorities Learning and adapting from previous events
Illustrations (Show all)
rm_images/Georgia_National_Guard_filling_sandbags.jpgrm_images/FEMA_-_3228_-_Photograph_by_Andrea_Booher_taken_on_07-09-1993.jpg
Last modified: Sept. 14, 2016, 9:52 a.m.