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Tropical Storm Debby has touched down in the D.C. area. It’s expected to make life a bit more miserable for people in the D.C. area. But there are some things you can do to prepare.
A lot of homes and businesses are loading up on sandbags for the next couple of days, including in Prince George’s County, where the sandbags are moving fast. There’s a method to stacking them up to ensure that water stays out.
Make sure you have all the sandbags you’ll need to reach the same height as any floodwaters.
Bags should only be about three-quarters of the way full. You want some give and flexibility with the bags.
Cover any doorways or other places where the water could sneak through with a tarp.
Line the first row of bags side by side, spreading the sand out evenly so there are no gaps.
Add the second row in alternating fashion, like you would a row of bricks.
Make sure the sand fills into any gaps where water could leak in. Keep stacking until it’s higher than the water is going to get.
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