Sandbags Available for Tropical Storm Bertha: Louisiana Homeowner Preparation Guide

Sandbags for Tropical Storm Bertha are being made available in several Louisiana communities as residents prepare for heavy rainfall, localized flooding, and possible coastal impacts. Local officials have opened self-service sandbag locations in East Baton Rouge Parish and St. Mary Parish as Bertha approaches the Louisiana coast.

According to WAFB, Tropical Storm Bertha is expected to move along the Louisiana coast from late Wednesday into Thursday. Residents in areas vulnerable to street flooding, drainage problems, or water intrusion should use the remaining preparation time to protect their homes and review their emergency plans.

Sandbags can help redirect shallow, moving water away from doors, garages, low windows, and other vulnerable openings. However, they are only one part of storm preparation. Homeowners should also document the condition of their property, protect important records, monitor official emergency updates, and understand how flood and wind damage may be handled under different insurance policies.

This guide explains where Louisiana residents can obtain sandbags ahead of Tropical Storm Bertha, how to fill and position them properly, what sandbags can and cannot prevent, and what homeowners should do if stormwater enters their property.

Where Sandbags Are Available Ahead of Tropical Storm Bertha

Multiple Louisiana parishes and municipalities have announced sandbag distribution locations as a precaution ahead of Tropical Storm Bertha. Availability, operating hours, residency requirements, and bag limits may change, so residents should confirm current information with their parish or municipal government before traveling.

East Baton Rouge Parish Sandbag Locations

East Baton Rouge Parish residents can access self-service sand and sandbags at several locations announced through Red Stick Ready. Residents are encouraged to bring their own shovel.

• BREC Airline Highway Fairgrounds: 16072 Airline Highway
• BREC Alsen Park: 601 Old Rafe Mayer Road
• BREC Baker Park: 4331 Jefferson Street
• BREC Cadillac Street: 6117 Cadillac Street
• BREC Doyles Bayou Park: 7801 Port Hudson-Pride Road
• BREC Flannery Road Park: 801 South Flannery Road
• BREC Hartley-Vey at Gardere Park: 1702 Gardere Lane
• BREC Lovett Road Park: 13443 Lovett Road
• BREC Memorial Stadium: 1702 Foss Street

St. Mary Parish Sandbag Locations

St. Mary Parish has announced sandbag availability for residents of unincorporated areas at the following locations:

• St. Mary Parish Public Works – Hanson Barn: 10905-A Highway 182 East, Garden City
• St. Mary Parish Public Works: 2717 Highway 182 East, Bayou Vista, beneath the water tower
• Amelia: Beneath the bridge
• District 11 Fire Station: Four Corners
• Hebert Washington Park: 331 East Martin Luther King Road, Charenton

Residents are encouraged to bring their own shovel when using self-service locations.

Baldwin and Morgan City Sandbag Locations

Residents of Baldwin can obtain sandbags from Baldwin Public Works at 800 Main Street. According to the local announcement, a limit of 10 bags applies.

Morgan City residents can obtain sandbags beneath the bridge on David Drive.

Louisiana homeowners can find additional storm preparation and insurance information through The Morgan Law Group’s Hurricane Center, Louisiana Resource Center, and Property Damage Resource Center.

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How Sandbags Help Protect a Home

Properly placed sandbags can create a temporary barrier that redirects shallow floodwater away from vulnerable areas. They are commonly used around exterior doors, garage entrances, low windows, drains, and other openings where water may enter a building.

Sandbags may help homeowners:

• Reduce water entering beneath exterior doors
• Redirect shallow runoff away from garages and entryways
• Protect low-level vents and openings
• Slow water long enough to support other emergency mitigation efforts
• Reduce damage from minor street flooding or overwhelmed drainage systems

Sandbags are not waterproof walls, and they cannot guarantee that a property will remain dry. Their effectiveness depends on the depth and speed of the water, the way the bags are filled and positioned, the condition of the property, and the duration of the flooding.

How to Properly Fill and Place Sandbags

Sandbags are most effective when they are filled, stacked, and positioned correctly. Improperly placed sandbags may allow water to seep underneath or around the barrier, reducing their effectiveness during heavy rainfall or localized flooding.

Emergency management agencies generally recommend using sandbags as a temporary flood-control measure for shallow water rather than as a permanent solution.

Filling Sandbags

For best results, sandbags should only be filled about one-half to two-thirds full. Overfilled bags become difficult to stack and leave gaps that allow water to pass through.

When preparing sandbags:

• Fill each bag approximately 50% to 66% full.
• Do not overfill or tightly pack the bags.
• Fold the open end underneath the bag when placing it.
• Use clean sand whenever possible.
• Wear gloves to protect your hands while filling and stacking bags.

Building an Effective Barrier

Sandbags should be placed lengthwise, with each row overlapping the previous one similar to laying bricks. This staggered pattern helps reduce gaps where water can penetrate.

For improved protection:

• Start with the lowest point where water is expected to enter.
• Lay the first row tightly against the structure.
• Stack additional rows in a staggered brick pattern.
• Fold each bag opening underneath the bag.
• Press each bag firmly into place to minimize gaps.
• If available, place heavy plastic sheeting on the water-facing side of the barrier before stacking additional rows.

Depending on the anticipated water level, multiple rows of sandbags may be required. However, extremely deep or fast-moving floodwaters can easily overtop or wash away temporary barriers.

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What Sandbags Cannot Protect Against

While sandbags are an important part of storm preparation, homeowners should understand their limitations. Many people mistakenly believe sandbags will completely prevent flooding, but they are only designed to slow or redirect relatively shallow water.

Sandbags generally cannot protect against:

• Storm surge along the Louisiana coast
• Flash flooding several feet deep
• Water entering through the roof after wind damage
• Groundwater entering through foundations
• Floodwater entering through sewer backup systems
• Large waves generated by hurricanes or tropical storms
• Structural damage caused by fallen trees or flying debris

Even when sandbags successfully reduce flooding, homeowners may still experience roof leaks, wind-driven rain, siding damage, broken windows, and other storm-related losses that require an insurance claim.

Learn more about insurance coverage by visiting our Guide to Storm Damage Insurance Coverage.

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If Water Enters Your Home After Tropical Storm Bertha

If floodwater or storm damage affects your home despite your preparations, your actions immediately after the storm can have a significant impact on your insurance claim.

After conditions are declared safe by local officials:

1. Photograph every damaged area before beginning cleanup.
2. Take wide-angle and close-up photographs of damaged rooms, furniture, flooring, appliances, and personal belongings.
3. Keep damaged materials whenever possible until your insurance company has inspected them.
4. Make reasonable temporary repairs to prevent additional damage.
5. Save receipts for emergency repairs, tarping, water extraction, and temporary housing.
6. Report the damage to your insurance company as soon as possible.
7. Maintain a written record of every conversation with your insurance adjuster.

Whether damage results from wind, flooding, or a combination of both, thorough documentation can help support your claim and reduce disputes regarding the cause and extent of the loss.

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Will Insurance Cover Damage Caused by Tropical Storm Bertha?

One of the most common questions homeowners ask after a tropical storm is whether their insurance will pay for the damage. The answer depends on how the damage occurred and the specific insurance policies you have in place.

Many Tropical Storm Bertha insurance claims may involve both wind damage and flooding. Because these losses are often handled under different insurance policies, understanding the distinction is critical.

Wind Damage

Most homeowners insurance policies generally cover sudden and accidental wind damage caused by a covered storm. Depending on your policy, this may include:

• Roof damage from high winds
• Wind-driven rain entering through a storm-created opening
• Broken windows and exterior doors
• Damage caused by fallen trees or large branches
• Damage to siding, gutters, fences, and other covered structures

Flood Damage

Flood damage is handled differently. Standard homeowners insurance policies typically do not cover flooding caused by:

• Storm surge
• Overflowing rivers or bayous
• Rising surface water
• Street flooding
• Water entering from outside the home at ground level

Coverage for these losses generally requires a separate flood insurance policy, such as one issued through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private flood insurer.

Some homeowners experience both wind damage and flooding during the same storm. In these situations, separate insurance companies, adjusters, inspections, and deductibles may apply. Proper documentation immediately after the storm can help establish when and how the damage occurred.

To better understand your policy, visit our guide to What Storm Damage Does Insurance Cover?.

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Common Mistakes Homeowners Make After Flooding

After severe weather, homeowners often focus on cleanup as quickly as possible. While acting promptly is important, certain mistakes can make it more difficult to recover the full value of an insurance claim.

Avoid these common mistakes after Tropical Storm Bertha:

• Beginning cleanup before photographing the damage
• Throwing away damaged materials before the insurance inspection
• Failing to report the loss promptly
• Discarding receipts for emergency repairs and temporary housing
• Assuming flood damage is covered under a homeowners policy
• Accepting the first settlement without reviewing the repair estimate
• Hiring unlicensed storm contractors without verifying credentials

Insurance claims often depend on documentation. The more evidence you preserve, the easier it may be to demonstrate the cause and extent of your losses.

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When Should You Contact a Property Damage Attorney?

Many storm damage claims are resolved without significant issues. However, there are situations where homeowners benefit from speaking with an experienced property damage attorney.

You should consider contacting The Morgan Law Group if:

• Your insurance claim has been denied.
• Your insurer significantly underpays the cost of repairs.
• Your claim has been delayed without explanation.
• The insurance company disputes whether the damage was caused by wind or flooding.
• You are asked to provide repeated documentation without meaningful progress.
• Your property sustained substantial roof, water, or structural damage.

The Morgan Law Group represents homeowners and commercial property owners throughout Louisiana and the Gulf Coast in property damage insurance disputes. Our attorneys help policyholders understand their coverage, evaluate claim decisions, and pursue the benefits available under their insurance policies.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Sandbags and Tropical Storm Bertha