FloodSax soaking up water next to expensive refrigeration units in a supermarket FloodSax transformed into instant sandbags keeping floodwater from a burst water pipe away from a supermarket All these 20 FloodSax alternative sandbags came from this one easy-to-carry box

Why supermarkets are turning to FloodSax alternative sandbags to help them deal with floods both indoors and outside

An award-winning alternative sandbag is now being used by supermarkets across the UK due to its amazing versatility.

FloodSax can be transformed into instant sandbags in minutes to keep floodwater out of the premises, potentially saving hundreds of thousands of pounds in damage and lost stock.

But in their dry state they are ideal to soak up drips, leaks, spills and floods inside.

They resemble large pillowcases and are ultra-thin so can be slipped under refrigeration units and other hard-to-reach places to soak up water.

The danger is the water could not only damage the units and their electrics, but water leaking across the floor is a health and safety risk which could see customers and staff slipping and hurting themselves.

FloodSax are manufactured by Environmental Defence Systems based in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, and almost 3 million have been sold worldwide.

Lucy Bailey from FloodSax said: “We are finding that more supermarkets are needing FloodSax as they are so versatile and inexpensive. Hundreds, if not thousands, of supermarkets across the country are at risk of flooding from rivers, streams, culverts and drains. A few get flooded time and time again.

“Many need some flood protection so they can react quickly in an emergency. A supermarket recently asked us for help after torrential rain started to seep through its roof and ceiling onto the shop floor. Luckily we could react quickly with FloodSax deployed to absorb the water without the need for mops – mops which often just move the water around rather than getting rid of it.

“Having a stock of sandbags ready for flooding just isn’t a viable option. They take lots of space to store, are heavy and cumbersome to move and you can’t use them inside, unlike FloodSax.”

Supermarkets also use FloodSax outside as a quick and easy way to divert floodwater away from the premises and down nearby drains.

Lucy added: “FloodSax are space-saving to store and quick and easy to deploy. They are an incredibly cost-effective way to have instant flood protection 24 hours a day 365 days a year.”

Many businesses don’t realise that local authorities have no responsibility to provide sandbags.

The Environment Agency states: “Don’t assume the authorities will provide you with sandbags in a flood emergency. It is the responsibility of property owners to take appropriate action to protect their property from flooding. Sandbags are relatively ineffective when compared to purpose-built flood protection products. We strongly encourage people to use these products.”

Some councils now recommend FloodSax instead of traditional sandbags.

Gosport Borough Council in Hampshire says: “FloodSax have many advantages over traditional sandbags, being easy to store and move, easy to use and, importantly, easy on the environment, having a significantly lower carbon footprint.” 

FloodSax are vacuum-packed in packs of five in easy to carry bags and four packs fit into one cardboard box weighing just 21lbs (9.5kilos)– that’s the equivalent to 20 traditional sandbags.

To deploy FloodSax as alternative sandbags when a flood is forecast or is actually happening, simply immerse the FloodSax in 20 litres of water in a large bucket or tub. If time is really critical use the floodwater itself.

The FloodSax will then expand in around 8 minutes to weigh 20kg (44lbs). A special gelling polymer inside simply absorbs the water and then keeps it in the FloodSax so it can be used for however long the emergency lasts, which could be several months.

Each row of FloodSax will keep out approximately 7 inches of water and usually two or three rows are enough to keep floodwater at bay. 

To find out how to get hold of FloodSax go to http://www.floodsax.co.uk/buy/uk-suppliers/