Inventory and Test Flood Barriers and Sandbags

Why it matters

Flood barriers are useless if you can't deploy them in 30 minutes before water arrives. A depleted inventory during an actual flood can mean thousands in preventable damage.

How to do it

• 1

  Count all stored sandbags, aquadams, temporary flood barriers, and door seals; list quantities in a notebook.

• 2

  Inspect bags for mold, tears, or leaks; replace compromised barriers.

• 3

  For sandbags, verify sand supply is accessible and dry; add sand if needed.

• 4

  Test deployment of one aquadam or barrier panel to ensure you understand assembly and fit.

• 5

  Store contact information for local rapid-sandbag delivery services (often provided by county emergency management).

• 6

  Create a family deployment plan and assign roles so deployment happens in under 30 minutes.