Residents in Kolding learn sandbag techniques for flood prevention

In Kolding, 35 residents gathered to learn the proper technique for filling sandbags, a crucial skill for flood prevention. Among them was Niels Holflod, a local who has firsthand experience with flooding. He remarked on his previous assumption that the more sand a bag could hold, the better it would work—an idea he discovered is incorrect.

Holflod lives near Kolding Å and has faced significant flooding in the past, including an incident last year when his basement was submerged under 70 centimeters of water. Although he was familiar with measures to protect his home, he found the workshop informative, learning new techniques alongside the other participants.

The workshop was organized by Kolding Municipality and TrekantBrand, the local fire department. Ronni Petersen, an emergency preparedness inspector from TrekantBrand, emphasized the importance of educating residents on flood responses. He explained that effective sandbagging requires filling them with about two-thirds sand or gravel, tying them securely, and using them promptly, as filled bags can deteriorate over time if stored.

The training included practical demonstrations, showing correct and incorrect methods for sandbag application. Petersen noted the increasing frequency and intensity of climate-related events, pointing out that proper preparation is essential and cannot be rushed.

Holflod expressed satisfaction with the hands-on experience, contrasting it with passive information gleaned from the internet. He stressed the importance of proactive measures, as emergency services cannot be everywhere during flooding events, reinforcing the need for community preparedness.