How effective are sandbags during a flood?

Question

I've never been through a flood that I can remember but I want to know how effective are sandbags when it comes to flooding. I know my school has sandbags in front of the doors but will that really keep water out or only lessen the amount that gets in the building? Any information would be great

Answer 1

they must work good because that is what they used during Huricane Katrina

Answer 2

Sandbags should keep the water out but it really depends on the severity of the storm system that is hitting your area. I'm guessing you live somewhere in the midwest  or around Winsconsin.  The sandbags will help the water go around not through the doors. Remember to pack the bags tightly. It will lessen the amount but again depending on how much it rains it the sandbags can only do so much.

Someone commented about Katrina, remember Katrina dumped a lot of rain and the wind created a storm surge in the ocean, there was no way sandbags were going to do the trick in their case.