As residents prepare for Tropical Storm Debby and potential flooding, now is the time to secure sandbags if you don't already have them in your emergency supply kit and think you may need them. Here is some information on where to find sandbags and how to use them effectively.

There is currently no public distribution of sandbags planned by the Georgetown County Emergency Management Division. Sandbags and sand can be purchased at most hardware stores. Call your preferred local store to check on their stock.

Sandbagging is an flood prevention technique that's simple, but still effective. If the bags are not filled and stacked properly, though, they will be useless. Here are some tips and steps for the most effective way use sandbags:

• Only use sand in the bags: Dirt and potting soil are not a suitable replacement for filling the bags. When wet, the sand hardens but it's still pliable enough to mold into the shape needed to build a water-blocking structure.
• Try to use coarse sand: If possible, avoid using fine sand. Coarse sand will hold its shape better, while fine sand can silt and drain from the bag, making it easier to deflate.
• When building a sandbag wall, it's crucial for the bags to shape around each other tightly: When the bags are too full, it tends to form a firm exterior that doesn't shape together. The bag, when filled, should lie fairly flat, overfilled bags are firm and don't nestle into one another; tight bags make for a leaky sandbag wall.
• Fill sandbags half full.
• Stagger the sandbags on top of one another: The bags need to mold into one another to effectively prevent floodwaters from penetrating the sandbag wall. It's also important to tuck the seal of the bag underneath, so the weight of the bag helps to keep it closed.
• It is important to place bags with the folded top toward the upstream or uphill direction to prevent bags from opening when water runs by them.
•  Limit placement to two layers unless a building is used as a backing or sandbags are pyramided.
• Set up your sandbags before flooding is anticipated: It is not safe to tread through floodwaters. Even if you feel like you're familiar with the area, you never know how deep the water is or the hazards that can be underneath the water.
• Keep in mind that sandbags will not seal out water.
• Do not use straw or bales of hay in lieu of sandbags. They do not perform as well as sandbags and may be washed away.
• For a more durable bag with increased effective life, mix 10 parts of sand with 1 part of cement. The materials can be mixed and placed dry. After all bags are in place, a light sprinkling of water is recommended. This technique is only effective with burlap sandbags and will not work with plastic sandbags.

Sandbags placed correctly around your home or business may lower the impact of flooding by reducing the amount of water entering your property.