Parts of the upper Midwest, USA, have been fighting floods for over a week now. Communities in North and South Dakota, Iowa, Nebraska and especially Minnesota have all suffered. Storms and torrential rainfall have left levels of several rivers, including the Mississippi and Minnesota, dangerously high and they are set to remain so for some time. The severe weather has continued and appears to moving east. Parts of Illinois, Ohio and New York have also seen flooding in the last few days.
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Various politicians, including President Obama, have visited some of the affected areas. Numerous states of emergency declared and state and federal money pledged to help flood victims. Where necessary (and possible), temporary flood defences have been erected in order to help protect homes and businesses.
In the past, this simply meant piling up sandbags. And for some flood-hit areas – in the Midwest and elsewhere – there is still a heavy reliance on sandbags. For example 3 million sandbags were used by the city of Fargo during the floods. Often US local authorities will distribute sand and empty sandbags to local residents during flood threats. During the current floods in Minnesota, the city of Newport, near to the currently swollen Mississippi River, has set up sand station so that residents can make sandbags to protect their homes.
The sandbag of course has some advantages. It’s fairly cheap and simple to use. Sandbags are useful for protecting small, uneven or hard to reach places. But they can be prone to leaking, and may even collect contaminent from flood water. In particular, erecting sandbag flood defences can be slow, back-breaking work.
These days there are alternatives to labor intensive sandbags, or ways to fill sandbags faster and more efficiently. In fact there is a wide choice of modern, innovative flood defence products available, offering flood-threatened communities an alternative.
Take, for example, Water-Gate dams by MegaSecur, a solution for flooding, pollution, work in submerged areas, and fire water reservoirs.
First developed in , Water-Gate dams are considered among the fastest and most reliable, flexible, economical, and environmentally friendly emergency response equipment on the market. They are also reusable and versatile.
The Water‑Gate® flood dam comes as a PVC roll. The design uses the weight of the incoming floodwater to deploy and stabilize itself. Water enters and accumulates at the bottom of the barrier as the water level rises, causing the barrier to unfold and swell. The lightweight design allows for timely intervention in remote or hard‑to‑access environments.
Find more about the Water-Gate dams for flood protection on the MegaSecur website, or via the Flood Protection section of our flood business directory here.
Barrier Force is a Cellular Containment System that provides flood protection and erosion control and an ingenious alternative to sandbags.
Unlike traditional sandbags, Barrier Force systems are a series of pentagon-shaped bags sloped on one side, vertical on the other, open at the top, and connected side by side like an accordion. Because each cell’s weight is more than twice the pressure of the water pressing against it, moving the chain is virtually impossible.
Barrier Force can be used for flood management, dune restoration and infrastructure protection. Find more about the Barrier Force protective barriers on the Barrier Force website, or via the Flood Protection section of our flood business directory here.
TrapBag® flood barrier systems are a continuous cellular containment barrier used wherever prevention and protection from natural disasters and man-made disasters are required. TrapBag barriers offer solutions for flood protection, erosion control, mudslide protection and prevention, environmental pollution control, and many others.
The Company says the TrapBag containment systems are used by governments, businesses, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and others. Find more about the TrapBag Flood Barrier Systems on the Trap Bag website, or via the Flood Protection section of our flood business directory here.
One problem posed by sandbags is the large number required and the time it takes to fill them. The SandMaster aims to take the time and strain out of sandbag filling. It
attaches to a piece of equipment and quickly fills, transports, securely closes and places multiple sandbags where they are needed. The SandMaster is capable of filling and placing 4,800-6,200 sandbags in 8 hours with only 3 people.
Find more about the SandMaster on the SandMaster Barrier Systems website, or via the Flood Protection section of our flood business directory here.
Absorbeez are similar to sandbags in looks and applications, but with one important (and clever) factor: there’s no sand!
Absorbeez are suitable for smaller scale flood protection such as doorways, as well a larger areas such as garages or patios. They come in an assortment of sizes, are lightweight (before use) and can be stored easily until needed. When needed, just lay them out where required, such as a door way and they will expand to form a barrier on contact with water.
Find more about the Absorbeez for flood protection on the Absorbeez, or via the Flood Protection section of our flood business directory here.
AquaFence offer transportable flood barriers. Once fitted, these L-Shaped fences cleverly use the pressure of the flood water to stabilize them. About 7,000 feet of AquaFence protected areas of Fargo, North Dakota, including utilities and a hospital, from the flooding of .
A team of 10 people can install about 100 meters (328 feet) of AquaFence per hour. The barrier can also include corners, making it especially well-suited to protecting buildings and spaces in urban or built up areas.
Progressive Innovations is a company based in Minnesota, so they should know a thing or two about the current floods there. In fact their Fast-Built Levee® protected buildings in Princeton Minnesota where the 18 inch high barrier barrier was deployed there when floods threatened on 05 May .
Fast-Built Levee® is a flood barrier that consists of specialized plastic poly tube filled with sand or clean fill soil. When deployed using their Levee Building Machines, it can install the equivalent of between 100,000 and 140,000 sandbags per day, making it suitable for wide areas.
NoFloods Barriers offer the unusual concept of fighting water with water. The barrier is an inflatable dam – essentially a large, lightweight tube that is filled with air during initial deployment. The incoming floodwater then starts to replace the air inside the tubes to create a stable barrier as well as decreasing the volume of the rising floodwater, hence “fighting water with water.” The system also means it can be deployed both preventively and curatively.
It can be deployed in sections (up to 200 metres) and continuously extended if necessary. It is also very quick to install – 4 men can deploy metres in less than 4 hours. Although this might suggest it is used for wider areas such as beaches or river banks, the structure is lightweight and flexible, and can therefore can be configured in a variety of shapes and sizes.
NoFloods Barriers are designed and made by Danish company Environment Solutions. They were used during the floods that struck northern France after storms in January .
Above is just a small selection of new and innovative ways being used to keep flooding at bay. Although there may still be a place for the lowly sandbag in flood protection, new ideas and products are being used to very good effect in building temporary flood defences. It’s a shame that these products aren’t given more publicity and exposure.
Please feel free to contact us here if you have any experience of temporary flood barriers, or if you or your company offer such products. We would be very happy to hear from you.
Flood guards are barrier solutions designed to keep water out of buildings during floods. They come in both temporary and permanent forms, giving property owners flexibility depending on their specific needs. Temporary flood guards can be stored and deployed as needed, while permanent options provide constant protection once installed. Let's dive into the top considerations when selecting a flood guard.
Durability:
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One of the most important qualities of a flood guard is its durability. Flood barriers should be made of materials capable of withstanding intense water pressure, potential impacts from debris, and fluctuating weather conditions. Look for barriers constructed with high-grade metals, reinforced plastics, or other robust materials, especially if the barrier will be exposed to the elements for extended periods. Durability isn’t just about handling water; it also means a flood guard can be used multiple times, making it a worthwhile investment. Choosing a durable barrier ensures you’re not only prepared for one storm but for future events as well.
Ease of Use and Deployment:
In the midst of a flood warning, time is of the essence. Flood guards should be easy and quick to deploy. For temporary flood guards, look for products with interlocking mechanisms or self-sealing properties that allow them to be set up quickly by one or two people. Additionally, barriers that don’t require complex tools for assembly will make deployment simpler and more efficient. For permanent flood barriers, ensure they don’t interfere with daily activities or the aesthetic of the building. Some permanent solutions have retractable or foldable designs that stay out of sight until needed, providing seamless functionality without obstructing the space.
Effectiveness:
Flood guards must be effective at actually blocking water and providing a secure seal. Look for barriers that have undergone third-party testing and come with certifications verifying their performance under various conditions. Barriers that form tight seals around windows, doors, or other vulnerable entry points are essential. Effectiveness also involves resistance to potential leakage or seepage, so make sure to check for barriers with sealing technology or advanced interlocking designs that reduce the risk of water getting through. Choosing an effective flood guard gives you peace of mind that your property will remain secure even during severe flooding.
Storage and Maintenance:
If you’re opting for a temporary flood guard, storage space becomes a key consideration. Some flood guards are designed to stack or fold, making them easier to store without taking up too much room. Additionally, look for products that require minimal maintenance and can be quickly cleaned, checked for damage, and stored between uses.
The Mayim Flood Barrier is a versatile, portable and highly durable flood guard designed for both residential and commercial use.
This barrier’s modular design allows it to be connected and adjusted to fit various openings, making it ideal for entryways, and other vulnerable areas. Its interlocking structure ensures a secure seal, keeping water out even under high pressure.
Available in three protection heights, 20” (MB1), 30” (MB2) and 40” (MB-MAX), these L-shaped flood barrier systems are lightweight yet robust and easy to deploy and store, making these flood panels a great choice for properties requiring adaptable and flexible flood protection.
Quick Deployment:
The Mayim Flood Barrier is designed for easy and fast setup, meaning you can have it in place in a matter of minutes when flood warnings are issued. This makes it an excellent choice for homeowners who need a dependable temporary solution.
Modular Design:
This system features a modular design, allowing you to adjust the length of the barrier to fit your specific needs. Whether you’re protecting a small doorway or a larger garage opening, the Mayim Flood Barrier can be customized to fit your space.
Durability:
Made from high-quality materials, the Mayim Flood Barrier is built to withstand harsh weather conditions and significant water pressure. It provides a strong and dependable line of defense against floodwaters.
Reusable:
Unlike sandbags, which can be a hassle to fill and dispose of, the Mayim Flood Barrier is reusable, making it a more cost-effective and eco-friendly option for long-term flood protection.
For those seeking a more permanent flood defense solution, the Hammerhead Aluminum Flood Guard Wall provides heavy-duty protection that blends seamlessly with existing structures.
Built from high-grade aluminum, this flood wall is extremely durable, able to withstand the effects of hurricanes and storm surge conditions. Its design ensures long-term effectiveness while minimizing visual impact, and can be powder coated to seamlessly blend into its surrounding without compromising visual aesthetics.
The Hammerhead Flood Wall is perfect for businesses or homes that require reliable protection with access and durability, offering peace of mind that the barrier is always ready to protect against any type of flood threat.
Permanent Protection With Accessibility:
The Hammerhead Aluminum Flood Wall System is a fixed flood barrier that remains in place, providing continuous protection without the need for setup or removal. Aluminum planks are slotted into U-Channel posts that allow your entryway to remain accessible between flood events. This is especially useful for homes in flood-prone regions where water levels can rise unexpectedly.
Highly Durable:
Made from heavy-duty aluminum, the Hammerhead Flood Wall System is designed to handle elevated water pressure, ensuring that your home is prepared even in severe flood conditions.
Custom Fabricated Fit:
This system can be tailored to fit your specific property needs, whether you need to protect doors, windows, or large entryways. The customizability ensures that all vulnerable areas of your home are secured.
Low Maintenance:
Once installed, the Hammerhead Flood Wall System requires minimal upkeep. It’s a low-maintenance solution for long-term flood protection, ensuring your home is always prepared.
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