Sand bags in the Village

Sandbags are a short-term and relatively cheap way to manage flooding but only if they are filled and placed correctly. However, they are not as effective as purpose-designed flood resilience products (please see www.nationalfloodforum.org.uk for information on such products).

Your local council may have some sandbags ready to deploy at times of flooding, but their priority is to protect the public at large. You should check with your own local authority in advance to find out what their policy is and how you can get access to sandbags before flooding starts (please visit www.erewash.gov.uk). Empty sandbags are also available by request, before flooding, from Derbyshire County Council. They can be collected from various locations including libraries and town halls, and can also be sent out by post (please
visit www.derbyshire.gov.uk).

Remember, during a flood crisis there may be limited stocks per person or supply routes may get blocked. If your local authority doesn't supply sandbags, you can buy unfilled sandbags and a supply of sand from most DIY stores and builders merchants, but remember that if there is a flood expected in your area demand may exceed supply as people rush to buy them. In an emergency you can use alternatives such as pillow cases or refuse sacks and fill them with garden soil.

For information on how to use sandbags properly for flood protection, please visit:
www.gov.uk/government/publications/sandbags-how-to-use-them-to-prepare-for-a-flood