Sandbag stores - preparations for flooding

Monday, October 17 2005

Following the opening of a new sandbag store in Peebles last week, Scottish Borders Council is keen to encourage the public to prepare for flooding by reminding them of the location of sandbag stores.

Sandbags will help to hold back low increases in water level. In Hawick last week 2,000 sandbags were used to protect properties and commercial premises. These were replenished by members of SBC Roads, with assistance from the SB Local team.
Remember that:

Filled sandbags weigh 12 kilograms (28lbs) each
Sandbags can prevent water entering individual doorways in 'at risk' areas
A supply of sand and sandbags can be obtained at local builders' merchants
SBC Contact centres hold a supply of leaflets entitled 'Emergency assistance to the public' which outlines the policy to avert or alleviate the effects of flooding
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) website www.sepa.org.uk provides information on preparing for flooding and details of commercially available products. These are usually more effective than sandbags.

Sandbags are available from Council depots at:

Duns; Galashiels; Hawick; Kelso; Newcastleton; Newtown St Boswells; Peebles.
In daylight hours, speak to the Council foreman.
(Please be aware of safety issues in relation to the movement of large vehicles at the depots.)
Fire Stations - self-help, unlocked stores at:
Coldstream; Eyemouth; Innerleithen; Jedburgh; Lauder; Newcastleton; Peebles; Selkirk; West Linton
Speak to the officer-in-charge
Primary schools - self-help, unlocked wooden sheds at:
Broughton; Stow Park; Romanno Bridge; Also at Eddleston Sewage Works

SBC Winter desk can be contacted on 01835 825076 between November and the end of March 2006.
Bordercare, the 24 hour telephone helpline, which operates in conjunction with SBC and other organisations, can be contacted on 01896 752111, and will field calls from members of the public in cases of emergency.

Reference: News-7467, Contact the Author