FloodSax alternative sandbags holding back torrential floodwater FloodSax soak up leaking water and prevent slip hazards in supermarkets and other businesses All these 20 FloodSax came from this one easy-to-carry box

Now’s the time to prepare with FloodSax to prevent flood damage from the next storm to hit the UK

Storm Bert showed the devastation flooding can cause when it swept through the UK last weekend … and it’s only a matter of time before the next one arrives.

And if that’s at a weekend or Christmas then you’ve little hope of getting flood protection in place to prevent serious water damage unless you act now by getting FloodSax which can deal with leaks inside and stop floodwater getting in from the outside.

Although the headline media images show floods submerging cars, hundreds of thousands – if not millions – of homes will also have been damaged by the gale force winds forcing water underneath doors or rainwater dripping in through leaky windows and roofs.

It all depends where the wind is coming from. Normally a house can be dry with the prevailing wind coming from the west, but when it changes direction and hits from the south, east or north it will expose parts of the house vulnerable to leaks when rain is battering against it that way.

Although FloodSax are known worldwide as alternative sandbags for robust flood protection barriers designed to prevent floodwater getting into homes and businesses, in their dry state they have a large surface area and are very flat so are ideal to soak up leaks, drips and internal floods and escapes of water.

Inside the FloodSax is a gelling polymer which absorbs the water and then retains it, preventing the water spreading anywhere and causing costly damage to walls, floors and electrics.

FloodSax were designed by Environmental Defence Systems Ltd based in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire – one of the rainiest spots in the UK - so they know a thing or two about the risk of flooding.

Lucy Bailey from the company said: “The scenes where the flooding caused by Storm Bert hit hardest were terrible with roads turned into rivers and cars submerged.

“But away from these, many homes will have had a few inches, or even just centimetres, of water get in which can quickly rack up thousands of pounds damage when it seeps under floors, into electrics and appliances such as washing machines and cookers and soaks into skirting boards and walls.”

FloodSax can quickly prevent it either by soaking up leaks next to windows, roofs and doors to prevent damage until the problem can be fixed, or outside as instant sandbags to prevent floodwater getting in.

To transform a FloodSax into an instant alternative sandbag, simply immerse it fully in water and the FloodSax absorbs the water and retains it in its gelling polymer. This means it inflates to become an instant sandbag in a uniform shape ideal to build into a strong, temporary flood protection wall.

The FloodSax will stay inflated for weeks, even months, until long after the floodwater has receded and the danger has passed.

Lucy adds: “Between September 2023 and September 2024 the UK suffered 12 storms – eight between the start of November and the end of January - and so far we’ve had two this autumn for the September 2024 to September 2025 period.

“That means more are sure to hit us and the key is to be prepared. Last weekend when Storm Bert arrived in the UK our website had three times the hits it normally gets which shows people were desperately searching for instant flood protection.

“Clearly, once the rain is here it’s too late so people need to be prepared now by getting a box of 20 FloodSax so they’re ready for any flooding, either inside or out. One box retails for around £140 which is an absolute bargain when it might save you thousands of pounds in needless flood damage.

“Also, don’t forget that most insurance companies have far higher excesses for flood damage so you’d probably suffer £500 or more in flood damage before it’s worth claiming on your insurance and then there’s all the hassle of ripping out flood damaged items, replacing them and trying to get hold of trusted trades people to do the repair work.”

Lucy warned: “Just think what would happen if the next storm hits right at Christmas or on a weekend and there’s nowhere open to buy any flood protection. Local authorities have no responsibility to provide sandbags or any other form of flood protection.

“Don’t leave it to chance. We’ve had people contact us in panic when their home is flooding and it’s a terrible situation to be in when that happens.”

To buy FloodSax go to floodsax.co.uk/buy/uk-suppliers/