Adaptation & Resiliency Toolbox
Flexible Water Barriers
What is it?
Low height perimeter flood barrier used to contain or divert shallow flooding (less than 6 inch) around the perimeter of a site or building. Includes sand or water filled bags and ridged containers, water activated barriers, and solid flexible low height barriers that conform to doors and entries.
Representative Types of Barriers:
QuickDam (Water Activated Self-Inflating Barrier)
HydraBarrier (Water Filled Barrier)
FloodSax (Water Activated Self-Inflating Barrier)
What assets can be protected?
Project Phase?
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Emergency
Implementation Time?
Rapid deployment with one or two people
Useful Life?
Variable; general expected useful life of 20 years
Preliminary Costs?
$$$$
Variable depending on system and length of barrier(s) required. Generally, costs expected to be less than $500 dollars per system and location
Benefits
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Requires only small storage space onsite
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Requires only small storage space onsite
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Relatively low cost
Limiting Factors
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Not applicable in areas of flood waters in excess of six inches
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Some barriers may not be re-deployable after use
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Provides flood protection by slowing/reducing flood waters but is not a "waterproof" barrier
Learn More
The Quick Reference Guide provides a detailed summary available for printing and additional information for future reference.
External References
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See Links Above